Gene therapy is an experimental technique through which defective genes are modified and sent into the cell by a carrier. Vectors used to transfer genes are divided into two Viral and Non-viral categories.
Although viral vectors enjoy high performance gene delivery, however, due to the low toxicity and biocompatibility, have been of limited utility. In contrast, Non-viral vectors such as polymers and cationic lipids have been in wide use. The discovery and introduction of efficient and biocompatible gene carriers are considered as one of the important aspects in the field of gene therapy.
The project manager Mahsa Yousefpour said the research aimed at introducing a polymer as a proper carrier for gene delivery and one which enjoys high performances such as low toxicity, biocompatibility as well as high biodegradability.
She emphasized the polyurethane polymer was selected and examined as the new carrier which is also competitive with commercial carriers.
Underlining the different biological applications of polyurethane polymers due to their suitable chemical and physical properties and high biocompatibility, Yousefpour said the examination of polyurethane polymer derivatives properties was expected to apply changes in the structure of the polymer to increase gene transfer, reduce toxicity and increase biocompatibility of gene carriers.
She noted the polyurethane was synthesized in the first stage and then under the operations conducted, the desired gene was highly reproduced and extracted in bacterial strains; then the most appropriate gene complex-nanoparticles were provided and finally the optimal way to transfer genes, the amount of gene transfer qualitatively and quantitatively were evaluated in human cancerous and non-cancerous epithelial cells.
Yousefpour added the nanocarriers were of low toxicity and higher biocompatibility, compared to the similar samples.
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