How to study dendriplexes I: Characterization

J Control Release. 2009 May 5;135(3):186-97. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2009.01.015. Epub 2009 Feb 1.

Abstract

This paper reviews the different techniques for analyzing the formation, physical-chemical characterization and stability of dendriplexes-complexes of nucleic acids with dendrimers. It does not touch on the questions of transfection efficiency or the cytotoxicity of dendriplexes. On the basis of the papers reviewed, a standard essential set of techniques for characterizing dendriplexes was constructed: (1) analysis of size and shape of dendriplexes in dried/frozen state by electron or atomic force microscopy; (2) analysis of charge/molar ratio of complexes by gel electrophoresis or ethidium bromide intercalation assay or zeta potential; (3) analysis of hydrodynamic diameter of dendriplexes in solution by dynamic light scattering; and analysis of (4) transfection efficiency and (5) cytotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Phenomena
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Electrophoresis
  • Ethidium / metabolism
  • Light
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Solutions
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Solutions
  • DNA
  • Ethidium