| abstract |
Poly(disulfide amine)s, methods of making, and methods of use are described. Illustrative embodiments of the poly(disulfide amine)s include poly( N,N' - cystaminebisacrylamide-spermine), poly( N,N' -cystaminebisaciylamide- N,N' -bis(3- aminopropyl)-l,3-propanediamine), poly( N, N' -cystaminebisacrylamide- N, N' -bis(3- aminopropyl)ethylenediamine), poly( N,N' -cystaminebisacrylamide- N,N' -bis(2- aminoethyl)- 1,3-propanediamine), and poly( N, N' -cystaminebisacrylamide- triethylenetetramine). These compositions are made by Michael addition between N,N'- cystaminebisacrylamide and protected oligoamine monomers, followed by deprotection. Complexes are formed by mixing the poly(disulfide amine)s with a nucleic acid. Delivery of the nucleic acid into cells is carried out by contacting the cells with the nucleic acid/poly(disulfide amine) complexes. |