ABSTRACT
The introduction of genes into cells of various origins has been a major technique of cell biology research for over a decade. While gene therapeutical protocols rely on recombinant viral vectors, the diversity of gene transfer uses has resulted in the development of a variety of artificial techniques, such as direct Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) microinjection, DNA coprecipitation. Such a behavior suggests that cationic amphiphiles act as gene transfer vectors by providing a cationic multimolecular surface which glues the anionic DNA and anionic cell surface together. The rational design of synthetic gene carriers is recent and within a few years several groups reported on the synthesis or the use of already available commercial cationic DNA binding amphiphiles for gene transfer purposes. Liposome encapsulation of a gene is done most efficiently by reverse phase evaporation, especially when performed in the presence of DNA compacting molecules. The latter denomination is confusing, since it implicitly suggests both the occurrence during transfection of spherical lipidic particles with an aqueous interior and a DNA encapsulation step, none of which is needed.
