Subtle changes in surface-tethered groups on PEGylated DNA nanoparticles significantly influence gene transfection and cellular uptake

This study identifies a new parameter for the engineering design of PEGylated DNA NPs.Graphical AbstractThe effect of PEG terminal groups in the interactions of PEGylated DNA nanoparticles with cells is investigated through an integrated experimental and computational approach. For nanoparticles with alkyl/hydroxyalkyl PEG terminal group, the highest transfection efficiency and cellular uptake levels occur at intermediate alkyl chain length. Subtle changes in PEG terminal groups significantly affect gene expression and cellular uptake levels.
Source: Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research