| abstract |
The invention is based on the discovery that injectable and nucleic acid-compatible polymeric compositions and formulations can be structurally designed to regulate nucleic acid activity or gene expression in vivo, for example, by controlling the bioavailability of the nucleic acid via modulation of the biodegradability and crosslink density of the network formed by the components of the formulation. The polymeric network encases the nucleic acid, not only controlling the release of the DNA, but also providing protection from degradation. The invention described herein improves upon prior modes of gene delivery, in that gene expression can be regulated by modulation of a polymeric network formed by combination of at least two water-soluble components capable of reacting with one another. The nucleic acid of interest is incorporated into the network to be released in a sustained manner to achieve level and duration of activity or expression needed. |