Using cationic polyurethane-short branch PEI as microRNA-driven nano-delivery system for stem cell differentiation

Background Non-viral gene delivery, such as using biodegradable polyurethane short-branch polyethylenimine (PU-PEI), has been considered a potentially safer gene delivery system in comparison to conventional virus systems. Methods The polycationization of DNA complexes protects DNA from nuclease degradation, and these DNA complexes are nanoscale in size to enter the cell through endocytosis. Results Due to the net positive surface charge of the cell, these polyplexes efficiently bind to the cell through electrostatic interactions with negatively charged membrane components. Cationic PU-PEI has been shown to be non-cytotoxic and has a high transfection efficiency, making it a practical gene delivery material in diseases. Conclusion We developed a PU-PEI nanomedicine-based platform to efficiently deliver microRNA in promoting differentiation capacity of stem cells, especially on induced pluripotent stem cells.