The role of hydrophobic alkyl chains in the physicochemical properties of poly(β-amino ester)/DNA complexes

- Nano-polyplexes were formed from low molecular weight poly(β-amino ester)s and DNA.
- Addition of hydrophobic fragments to the polymer helps to cooperative binding.
- Polymer-polymer interactions form a protective shell providing extended protection.
- The short hydrophobic units do not improve the efficiency of transfection but they influence the formation of the polyplexes and their behavior in solution.