Catch and release: photocleavable cationic diblock copolymers as a potential platform for nucleic acid delivery

Abstract

Binding interactions between DNA and cationic nanocarriers must be sufficiently strong to prevent nuclease-mediated degradation, yet weak enough to permit transcription. We demonstrate cationic diblock copolymers containing PEG and o-nitrobenzyl moieties that facilitated tailorable DNA complexation and light-activated release. This design unlocks a new approach to improved non-viral gene packaging.