Abstract

Gemini surfactant-lipid cationic nanoparticles (NP) and electroporation (EP) with a novel tape-electrode were evaluated in mice as topical delivery methods for plasmid DNA encoding luciferase reporter gene or interferon gamma (IFNg). NP treatment of the skin without EP (dose: 25 microgram plasmid DNA/50 microliter formulation) enhanced skin expression of IFNg, three-fold compared to buffer control or topical plasmid solution, whereas application of the noninvasive tape-probe to deliver the electroporative effect after topical NP treatment decreased gene expression compared with topical NP treatment alone. Gemini NPs are a potential topical gene delivery system, however subsequent use of EP showed an inhibitory effect.

Keywords: Electroporation, gene therapy, nanoparticles, non-viral, plasmid, skin, topical, Gemini surfactant-lipid cationic nanoparticles, NP treatment