Using cationic polyurethane-short branch PEI as microRNA-driven nano-delivery system for stem cell differentiation

Abstract

Background: Non-viral gene delivery, such as using biodegradable polyurethane short-branch polyethylenimine (PU-PEI), has been considered a potentially safer gene delivery system in comparison to conventional virus systems. Methods: The polycationization of DNA complexes protects DNA from nuclease degradation, and these DNA complexes are nanoscale in size to enter the cell through endocytosis. Results: Due to the net positive surface charge of the cell, these polyplexes efficiently bind to the cell through electrostatic interactions with negatively charged membrane components. Cationic PU-PEI has been shown to be non-cytotoxic and has a high transfection efficiency, making it a practical gene delivery material in diseases. Conclusion: We developed a PU-PEI nanomedicine-based platform to efficiently deliver microRNA in promoting differentiation capacity of stem cells, especially on induced pluripotent stem cells.