A novel class of cationic gemini surfactants showing efficient in vitro gene transfection properties

Abstract

Five novel peptide-based cationic gemini surfactants have been synthesised and their ability to transfect plasmid DNA containing the luciferase gene has been examined. Three of these detergents, differing in the number of positive charges per molecule at neutral pH, mediated transfection on their own. However, their efficiency increased markedly on the addition of a neutral colipid and a basic polypeptide.