Cellular uptake of DNA block copolymer micelles with different shapes

The cellular uptake of DNA block copolymer micelles composed of DNA-b-PPO in Caco-2 cells was studied. In particular it was investigated if the shape of micelle aggregates influences the internalization. Rod-like polymeric particles were taken up 12 times more efficiently than their spherical counter parts although they were composed of the same constituents. Furthermore, it was observed that internalization of all the micelle systems was more efficient than the pristine DNA controls. A cytotoxicity assay proved the non-toxic nature of DNA-b-PPO micelle aggregates.