The Development of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Fluorescence Imaging and Gene Delivery

Due to the controversy associated with the use of viral vectors for gene delivery, research in the use of nonviral vectors has become increasingly popular. However, these vectors are often associated with low transfection efficiencies. Recent studies have suggested that gold nanoparticles coated with the cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI) present an attractive solution due to the intrinsic properties of PEI. In this study, we attempt to synthesize PEI-coated gold nanoparticles which can be visualized in vivo by fluorescence microscopy. However, due to particle aggregation and high toxicity, cellular uptake and transfection efficiency of the particles was significantly impaired.