KCS

We synthesized and characterized lipid-DNA-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates and used these hybrids as plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery vehicles. Our approach allows for utilizing the advantageous properties of both AuNPs and lipids in gene transfer. In the case of transfection for eukaryotic cells (mammalian cells), high delivery efficiency and low cytotoxicity were observed for lipid-AuNP hybrid-based pDNA delivery system while relatively high cytotoxicity and moderate delivery efficiency for liposome-based pDNA delivery system and very low transfection efficiency for AuNP-based pDNA delivery system were observed, respectively. And in the gene transformation for prokaryote cells (E.coli in this case), when compared to conventional calcium chloride method, AuNP-based pDNA delivery method enhanced transformation efficiency with the aid of proper temperature control.