Polycationic amphiphiles based on triethylenetetramine and their transfection efficacy

Abstract

Novel polycationic amphiphiles derived from triethylenetetramine, a spermine analogue, containing cholesterol or dialkylglycerol residues as hydrophilic domains were synthesized. The amphiphiles and a helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) served for the preparation of cationic liposomes, physicochemical properties of which were evaluated. A comparative study of cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency demonstrated that the replacement of spermine by triethylenetetramine decreased transfection activity of cationic liposomes.