PEO-PPO-PEO Tri-Block Copolymers for Gene Delivery Applications in Human Regenerative Medicine—An Overview

• Main Authors: Ana Rey-Rico, Magali Cucchiarini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers; nonviral vectors; viral vectors; gene transfer
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/3/775

Lineal (poloxamers or Pluronic®) or X-shaped (poloxamines or Tetronic®) amphiphilic tri-block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) have been broadly explored for controlled drug delivery in different regenerative medicine approaches. The ability of these copolymers to self-assemble as micelles and to undergo sol-to-gel transitions upon heating has endowed the denomination of “smart” or “intelligent” systems. The use of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers as gene delivery systems is a powerful emerging strategy to improve the performance of classical gene transfer vectors. This review summarizes the state of art of the application of PEO-PPO-PEO copolymers in both nonviral and viral gene transfer approaches and their potential as gene delivery systems in different regenerative medicine approaches.