To develop low toxic and highly efficient gene vector

a series of random copolymers

poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate-co-2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)s (P(AMA-co-DEAEMA)s

P)

were synthesized through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).Physiochemical characteristics of P/DNA complexes were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis

particle size measurement

and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The results of agarose gel electrophoresis retardation assay demonstrated that random copolymer P can effectively bind DNA.The particle size of P/DNA complexes was around 400~600 nm.SEM images showed that complexes displayed a regular spherical shape.In vitro cytotoxicity measurements showed that polymer P had much lower cytotoxicity than that of 25 kDa PEI.The transfection efficiency was evaluated in HEK 293T cells

and 25 kDa PEI as well as plasmid DNA were used as positive and negative controls

respectively.The transfection efficiency of P/DNA complexes at each N/P ratio was much higher than that of plasmid DNA

and comparable to that of 25 kDa PEI/DNA complexes at N/P ratio of 10.The much reduced cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency indicate that polymer P will find great potential as a non-viral gene vector.