Linear polyethylenimine-block-poly(ethylene glycol)

Linear polyethylenimine-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-b-PEI) is a block copolymer of cationic poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). PEI is one of the most commonly used cationic polymers for gene delivery applications and PEG improves nucleic acid delivery by producing a stealth barrier.

Due to their low immunogenicity profiles, polymeric non-viral vectors have shown promise in advancing the treatment of many severe genetic and acquired diseases via gene therapy.

Copolymers of PEI and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) have been designed to provide a stealth-like shield around polymer/DNA complexes, reducing nonspecific interactions, inhibiting activation of the reticuloendothelial system, and prolonging the half-life of the complexes in the blood.