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Purpose. Chitosan, a natural cationic polysaccharide, is a candidate non-viral vector for gene delivery because of its high positive charges and low cytotoxicity. In this study, low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC, molecular weight of 22 kDa) was characterized and evaluated as a gene carrier.

Methods. Plasmid/LMWC complex was analyzed in 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. To confirm that the LMWC protected plasmids from nuclease, DNase I protection assays were performed. pSV-β-galactosidase plasmid/LMWC complex was transfected into 293T cells and transfection efficiency was evaluated by β-galactosidase assay. Cytotoxicity of LMWC was determined by MTT assay.

Results. Unlike high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC), LMWC is highly water soluble, and can form complex with plasmids in physiological buffer. The plasmid DNA was completely retarded at a weight ratio of 1:2 …