Glycogen as Novel Gene Vector

Abstract:

This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of functionalized glycogen as a gene vector. Aminated glycogen (NH₂-Gly) was synthesized through functionalization of glycogen with diethylenetriamine. The structure of NH₂-Gly was characterized by infrared spectra. The encapsulation and protection of pEGFP by NH₂-Gly was studied by gel retardation assay. The biocompatibility of NH₂-Gly was investigated by MTT and hemolysis assay. The transfection efficiency of NH₂-Gly/pEGFP in NIH 3T3 cells was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry. The results showed that the prepared NH₂-Gly was uniformly dispersed with a particle size of about 80 nm and a significant positive charge. Compared with PEI 25 k, NH₂-Gly had good biocompatibility. NH₂-Gly could effectively encapsulate pEGFP and protect it from degradation by nuclease. NH₂-Gly significantly increased the transfection efficiency of pEGFP in NIH 3T3 cells, which was almost equivalent to that of PEI 25 k. Therefore, glycogen is expected to be a safe and efficient gene vector.