Researchers showed that in contrast to pure PLGA particles, the active groups localized on the surface of the carrier caused the fast
release [7]. Polyion complex micelles (PICs) are core-shell structures of polyplex. check details Initially, Kataoka et al. introduced PIC micelles using SCH 900776 cell line PLL-PEG block copolymer by which PLL segments and pDNA formed a hydrophobic core by electrostatic interactions and PEG played a role as a surrounding hydrophilic shell layer [42]. Due to the use of PEG, PICs have both the higher transfection and the longer circulation half-life compare to polyplexes. PIC micelles have some noticeable properties compared to conventional polyplex and lipoplex systems such as excellent colloidal stability in protein aqueous media, high solubility in aqueous media,
high tolerance toward nuclease degradation, minimal interaction with biological components, and prolonged blood circulation. Also, in these systems, with functionalization of PEG group in the shell, the probability Gefitinib datasheet of targeting modification is enhanced [43]. Thiol-decorated polyion complex micelles prepared through complexation between PEG-b-poly(2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and a 20-mer oligonucleotide have been investigated in this area [44, 45]. One main concern about polymeric nanoparticles in gene delivery is coupling of the interior and exterior composition of them with polymer backbone and affects all the functions and biophysical properties of the polymer/DNA particles. One proposed method is coating poly(glutamic acid)-based peptide to the exterior composition
of a core gene delivery particle to change their function under in vivo conditions [46]. Inorganic nanoparticles Several inorganic nanoparticles mainly including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), magnetic nanoparticles, calcium phosphate nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots (QDs) are routinely utilized as gene delivery carriers. These nanoparticles possess many advantages in gene delivery. According to reports, they are not subjected to microbial attack and show also good storage stability [47]. The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in in vitro applications has been of interest but their potential for in vivo use is limited Atorvastatin by their toxicity. Due to their nanometer needle structure, CNTs can easily cross the plasma membrane using an endocytosis mechanism without inducing cell death [18]. Single-walled nanotubes have been exploited to deliver CXCR4 and CD4-specific siRNA to human T cells in HIV infections [35]. Use of CNTs for biomedical applications is limited due to their low biocompatibility. Surface modification or functionalization can increase solubility in aqueous solutions and biocompatibility [48]. According to reports, functionalized single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) can facilely enter human promyelocytic leukemia (HL60) and T cells [49]. This ability can be used to deliver bioactive protein or DNA into mammalian cells.