Synthesis, protein delivery, and in vitro and in vivo toxicity of a biodegradable poly(aminoester)

Abstract

A hydrolytically degradable poly(amino ester) is synthesized and evaluated as a protein delivery vector in vitro. The poly(amino ester), with cleavable ester bonds, can degrade into nontoxic products both in vitro and in vivo under physiological conditions, exhibiting low toxicity. Our experiments reveal that the poly(amino ester) can efficiently condense proteins via electrostatic interaction, and is significantly less toxic than PEI 25 kDa. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled bovine serum albumin and ribonuclease A as model proteins, the degradable poly(amino ester) can efficiently deliver proteins into cells and regulate cell functions. These results suggest that the degradable poly(amino ester) is a promising and efficient protein delivery vector.