How to study dendriplexes I: Characterization

This paper reviews the different techniques for analyzing the formation, physical-chemical characterization and stability of dendriplexes-complexes of nucleic acids with dendrimers. It does not touch on the questions of transfection efficiency or the cytotoxicity of dendriplexes. On the basis of the papers reviewed, a standard essential set of techniques for characterizing dendriplexes was constructed: (1) analysis of size and shape of dendriplexes in dried/frozen state by electron or atomic force microscopy; (2) analysis of charge/molar ratio of complexes by gel electrophoresis or ethidium bromide intercalation assay or zeta potential; (3) analysis of hydrodynamic diameter of dendriplexes in solution by dynamic light scattering; and analysis of (4) transfection efficiency and (5) cytotoxicity. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.