Chemical oxidation of a redox-active, ferrocene-containing cationic lipid: Influence on interactions with DNA and characterization in the context of cell transfection

► The redox-active ferrocenyl lipid BFDMA can be chemically oxidized using Fe(III). ► Fe(III)-oxidized BFDMA transfects cells but electrochemically oxidized BFDMA does not. ► Characterization reveals similar nanostructures but differences in zeta potentials. ► Treatment with EDTA restores the “inactivity” of Fe(III)-oxidized BFDMA. ► Redox control of transfection can be achieved by adding chemical oxidizing and reducing agents.