How to study dendriplexes I: Characterization

This paper reviews the different techniques for analyzing the formation, physical–chemical characterization and stability of dendriplexes–complexes of nucleic acids with dendrimers. It does not touch on the questions of transfection efficiency or the cytotoxicity of dendriplexes. On the basis of the papers reviewed, a standard essential set of techniques for characterizing dendriplexes was constructed: (1) analysis of size and shape of dendriplexes in dried/frozen state by electron or atomic force microscopy; (2) analysis of charge/molar ratio of complexes by gel electrophoresis or ethidium bromide intercalation assay or zeta potential; (3) analysis of hydrodynamic diameter of dendriplexes in solution by dynamic light scattering; and analysis of (4) transfection efficiency and (5) cytotoxicity.