Transfection Reagent Development Service

Due to their unique properties, dendrimers have been explored as potential transfection reagents for delivering nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA and siRNA, into cells. CD BioSciences leverages expertise in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology to provide you with dendrimer development services for transfection. With decades of experience in dendrimer development, we are confident that we can meet your specific needs.

Dendrimers as Transfection Reagents

Dendrimers are highly branched, three-dimensional macromolecules with well-defined structures that can be synthesized to have specific sizes, shapes, and surface functionalities. Due to their unique properties, dendrimers have been explored as potential transfection reagents for delivering nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA and siRNA, into cells. One advantage of using dendrimers as transfection reagents is their high charge density, which allows them to form stable complexes with negatively charged nucleic acids. Additionally, dendrimers can be modified with targeting ligands, such as peptides or antibodies, to increase their specificity and efficiency of transfection. However, dendrimers can also have some limitations as transfection reagents. Some dendrimers have been found to be cytotoxic or induce immune responses, which can limit their effectiveness and safety. Additionally, dendrimers can be expensive to synthesize and may not be as readily available as other transfection reagents.

siRNA delivery (siRNA) via PEGylated dendrimer. (Tambe V, et al., 2017)

Process for Developing Dendrimers as Transfection Reagents

Developing dendrimers as transfection reagents involves a systematic process that includes design, synthesis, characterization, optimization, and testing. Below are the general steps involved in developing dendrimers for transfection:

• Design
  In this stage, the dendrimer's design is based on the specific properties required for effective transfection. This includes considering the dendrimer's size, shape, surface charge, and functional groups to interact with nucleic acids.
• Synthesis
  After designing the dendrimer, it is synthesized using a controlled method that results in a highly branched and uniform polymer structure. The synthesis can be performed using different approaches, such as divergent, convergent, or double-layer dendrimer synthesis.
• Characterization
  The dendrimer is characterized to confirm its purity, size, molecular weight, surface charge, and other physicochemical properties that are essential for transfection. This can be done using various techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis.
• Optimization
  Once the dendrimer is synthesized and characterized, it is optimized to improve its transfection efficiency and reduce toxicity. This can be done by modifying the dendrimer's surface chemistry, changing the dendrimer's size and charge density, and testing different ratios of dendrimer to nucleic acids.
• Testing
  The optimized dendrimer is tested for transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity using in vitro and in vivo assays. The in vitro assays involve testing the dendrimer's ability to deliver nucleic acids to cells, whereas in vivo assays are performed to test the dendrimer's efficacy in animal models.
• Scale-up
  If the dendrimer is effective in transfection and has low toxicity, it can be scaled up for commercial use. This involves optimizing the synthesis process, ensuring product quality, and performing large-scale production.

Our Services

The unique properties of dendrimers, such as their high surface area, high charge density, and tunable surface functionality, make them attractive candidates for transfection reagent development. Dendrimers can form complexes with nucleic acids through electrostatic interactions and protect them from degradation in the extracellular environment. As the world's leading expert in dendrimer research, CD BioSciences is confident that we can help you develop dendrimer products that can be used for transfection.

Features of Our Services

• Expertise in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology
• Scientists specializing in dendritic macromolecule development services
• High-quality, hassle-free, cost-effective custom services
• Fast turnaround time

Want to Learn More?

As a trusted CRO, CD BioSciences is committed to helping our customers meet the growing global demand for dendrimer products. At CD BioSciences, we have innovative dendrimer products and are confident that we can provide solutions for developing dendrimer macromolecule products for different uses. All of our deliverables are subjected to rigorous quality testing and are submitted on time. If you are interested in dendrimer research, please feel free to contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Tambe V.; et al. Surface Engineered Dendrimers in siRNA Delivery and Gene Silencing. Curr Pharm Des. 2017, 23: 2952-2975.