Transfection by cationic gemini lipids and surfactants

Abstract

Multivalent cationic lipids such as gemini surfactants are an alternative to viruses for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids.

Effective cytocompatible nanovectors based on serine-derived gemini surfactants and monoolein for small interfering RNA delivery

“…The fast development of nanoscience and nanotechnology over the last decade has prompted the emergence of robust and effective nucleic acid delivery systems for gene therapy to prospectively replace viral vectors [1][2][3]. The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi), and subsequent findings of its mechanisms of action, opened up exciting possibilities for its use in gene therapy, and generated new perspectives for hard-to-treat diseases [4][5][6]. Small RNAs are introduced into human, animal or plant cells, and activate the RNA interference machinery to break down mRNA with a complementary sequence.…”

“…However, these surfactants exhibit relatively high levels of cytotoxicity, which limit their use in biomedical applications [34]. To overcome this problem, gemini surfactants based on natural structural motifs such as sugars, amino acids and peptides have been designed and synthesized [6,[35][36][37]. These compounds combine the efficiency of the gemini molecular structure with the biocompatibility of biomacromolecules, hence presenting enhanced physico-chemical and biological profiles [38,39].…”

Bis‐Thioether‐Containing Lipid Chains in Cationic Amphiphiles: Physicochemical Properties and Applications in Gene Delivery

“…phospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids) [1] or synthetic compounds (e.g. bio-inspired phospholipids, [2] Bola lipids, [3] gemini [4] ). These amphiphiles were used for a multitude of applications including the extraction and stabilization of proteins, [5] the stabilization of interfaces (e.g.…”

“…lamellar versus hexagonal). For nucleic acids delivery, cationic amphiphiles [2,13,14] were evaluated for different purposes (lung transfection, [15,16] tendon healing, [17] cancer therapy, [18] anticancer vaccination [19][20][21] ) and the current developments offer news therapeutic perspectives. It must be emphasized that one of the interest of synthetic vectors, when compared to viral vectors, is that they can be produced on large scale and following simple purification processes.…”

Synthesis of Gemini‐QA N‐Chloramine Biocides for Antibacterial Applications

“…Gemini‐QA salts, consisting of two positively charged QA units and two hydrophobic alkyl chain tails, usually better surface active properties and even more powerful antibacterial capacities in contrast to conventional mono‐QA salts . The highly centralized cationic center of Gemini‐QA salts could form potent attractive interactions with the predominantly anionic biological surface, leading to membrane disruption and ultimate bacteria lysis .…”