Poly(ethylenimine) and its role in gene delivery

Since the first published examination of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) as a gene delivery vehicle, there has been a hurry of research aimed at this polycat ion and its role in gene therapy. Here we will briefly review PEI chemistry and the characterization of PEI/DNA complexes used for gene delivery. Addi tionally, we will note various PEI transfection considerations and examine findings involving other polycationic gene delivery vehicles used with cell ular targeting ligands. The current state of our knowledge regarding the me chanism of PEI/DNA transfection will also be discussed. Finally, we will su rvey toxicity issues related to PEI transfection. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.