Effect of Eudragit on In Vitro Transfection Efficiency of PEI-DNA Complexes

Aim: Eudragit (R) E 100 (EE100) was used to improve the transfection efficiency of polyethylenimine (PEI). Materials and Methods: Mobility of PEI-DNA complexes with and without EE100 were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis and their transfection efficiencies were investigated in KB human oral carcinoma cells by flow cytometry. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the viability of transfected cells. Results: Gel electrophoresis illustrated formation of complete complexes at N/P ratios above 5. PEI had the highest transfection efficiency at an N/P ratio of 15, whereas in combination with EE100, the transfection efficiency was highest at an N/P ratio of 7.5. High concentrations of EE100 in combination with PEI were found to reduce cell viability. Conclusion: The results show a synergistic action of EE100 in transfection of DNA at low N/P ratios compared to PEI alone.