PEGylated Plier-Like Cationic Niosomes on Gene Delivery in HeLa Cells

Abstract

Lipid-based formulations have been used as a widespread carrier to improve gene delivery. Niosomes, one type of lipid-based vesicular systems are produced from non-ionic surfactants which are generally inexpensive and potentially more stable than phospholipids. This article was to develop PEGylated cationic niosomes for DNA delivery. Thin film hydration and sonication method were applied for cationic niosomes. The niosome formulations were composed of Span 20, cholesterol (Chol) and plier-like cationic lipid B (PCL-B) with or without cholesterol-polyethylene glycol 2000 (Chol-PEG). The physicochemical properties of cationic niosomes and nioplexes were evaluated including particle size, zeta potential, DNA condensation and serum protection. The transfection efficiency and cell viability were examined in HeLa cells. The particle size and surface charge of PEGylated cationic niosome containing Span 20: Chol: PCL-B: Chol-PEG at the molar ratio of 2.5: 2.5: 1.5: 0.14 (N-PEG2) were 129.47 ± 2.15 nm and 25.93 ± 4.18 mV, respectively. These PEGylated cationic niosomes could condense pDNA into the nanosize particles and also enhance the serum protection ability for at least 6 h. Moreover, N-PEG2 exhibited high transfection efficiency in comparison with lipofectamine® 2000 and low cytotoxicity. Therefore, the novel PEGylated cationic niosomes have the capability to develop as a promising potential carrier for DNA delivery.