Hyperbranched poly(amido amine)s for gene delivery to ovarian cancer cells

Two different hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (PAAs) were prepared by hydrogen-transfer polyaddition of N,N′-bisacryloylcystamine (CBA) with ethylenediamine (EDA) and of N,N′-bisacryloylpiperazine (BAP) with cystamine. Remarkable results were obtained in the DNA complexation tests, including particle size and zeta-potential measurement. Since the cationic structure of these polymers should permit an easier penetration of DNA through the cell membrane and the presence of the disulfide linkages should ensure a reductive degradation of the polymer main chain inside cells, these polymers can be regarded as promising vectors for an efficient gene delivery