Effect of amine type on the expression of plasmid DNA by cationized dextran

The objective of this study is to prepare a non-viral carrier of gene expression from the polysaccharide dextran and evaluate the effect of amine compounds introduced to dextran on the level of gene expression. Dextran with a molecular weight of 74 × 10³ was cationized by the chemical introduction of different amine compounds. The cationized dextran was complexed with a plasmid DNA and the vitro gene transfection was investigated for HeLa cells. The level of gene expression depended on the amine compound introduced to dextran. The highest level was observed for the complex of spermine-introduced dextran and plasmid DNA. The highest cellular internalization and the best buffering effect were observed among every cationized dextran. Every complex did not show any cytotoxicity. It is concluded that the superior properties of spermine-introduced dextran enabled the plasmid DNA to enhance the expression level to a great extent compared with other cationized dextrans. Cationized dextran is a promising non-viral carrier of plasmid DNA.