TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Historically, poly(D,L-lactide-co-plycolide) (PLGA) complexes with polyethylenimine (PEI) coated surfaces have been used  as a DNA delivery mechanism in gene therapy. This allows for a complex that has relatively low cytotoxicity, binds DNA, and has a cationic surface to allow for easy entry into the target cell. However, these complexes still maintain an amount of cytotoxicity due to the nature of PEI. Smaller PEI molecules have low cytotoxic effects, but then have almost no transfection ability. The present invention uses lower molecular weight PEI along with an attached glycidyl hexadecyl ether to ultimately lower cytotoxic effects of the PEI-PLGA complex while increasing transfection ability. These PEI-PLGA complexes are successfully able to transfect genes into target cells, specifically macrophages, with decreased cytotoxicity and increased transfection ability.

AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS

Primary Application Area: Biotech, Pharma

Technology Development Status: Prototype

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Showcase Booth #: 311

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES