Multilayers based on cationic nanocomplexes for co-delivery of doxorubicin and DNA

Co-delivery of drugs and genes has synergistic advantages in many fields such as cancer treatments. In this study, we present a multilayers for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and DNA. Ferrocene-modified polyethyleneimine (PEI-Fc) is synthesized, and it can form micelles in solution with ferrocene core and PEI shell. DOX and DNA are thus incorporated into the core and shell of the micelles, respectively, to form the PEI-Fc–DOX–DNA nanocomplexes. Such cationic nanocomplexes are used to construct multilayers through layer-by-layer assembly with negatively charged dextran sulfate (DS). We show that the multilayers can release DOX, and the release can be significantly enhanced in a hydrogen peroxide condition. Moreover, the multilayers have the ability to transfect cells through a substrate-mediated mode. The (PEI-Fc–DOX–DNA/DS) multilayers can be potentially applied to the biomedical devices for cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, etc.