Efficient Cell Transfection\nwith Melamine-Based Gemini\nSurfactants

Abstract

Gemini surfactants consisting of two melamine scaffolds\nconnected\nby a <i>n</i>-hexyl linker and functionalized with a 1-propylammonium\npolar head and a lipophilic chain having variable carbon length (from\nC8 to C16) were synthesized. These were then used successfully for\nthe transfection of A549, U87 MG, and Bristol 8 cell lines with maxGFP\nexpressing plasmid. The transfection protocol was optimized appropriately\n(confluence, reagent/pcDNA ratio, compaction time, and transfection\ntime) for each cell line. Under optimized conditions, the C12 and\nC14 melamine gemini surfactants showed little toxicity and remarkable\ntransfection efficiency, superior to the gold-standard Lipofectamine\n2000. These reagents were also able to efficiently transfect primary\nDRG neurons, which are notoriously difficult to transfect. The presence\nof serum completely inhibited the transfection capacity of these reagents.\nOwing to their ready availability, straightforward synthesis, high\nchemical stability (even in solution), ease of use (no formulation\nis required), improved transfection ability, and low toxicity, melamine-based\ngemini surfactants are very promising reagents for cellular DNA transfection.