[Study of encapsulation of suicide gene in PEG-PEI/Fe3O4 nano-magnetic fluid and its characteristics in vitro].

AIM: To prepare PEG-PEI Fe(3)O(4) nano-magnetic fluid and invest its characteristics.

METHODS: PEG-PEI Fe(3)O(4) nano-magnetic fluid was prepared by chemical co-deposition as gene delivery vector. Then DNA of plasmid pAFP-TK was wrapped into PEG-PEI Fe(3)O(4) nano-magnetic fluid. At the same time, we invest its characteristics with MTT assay.

RESULTS: PEG-PEI Fe(3)O(4) nano-magnetic fluid-DNA complexes could protect the DNA from degradation of DNaseI, serum and sonication. AFP positive cells transfected by pAFP-TK were highly sensitive to the GCV treatment, and the survival of cells declined obviously. HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy system had direct cell toxicity.

CONCLUSION: This new target strategy of pAFP-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy system in which PEG-PEI Fe(3)O(4) nano-magnetic fluid are used as gene delivery vectors explores a promising area for AFP positive HCC and associated carcinoma therapy.