N,N,N-Trimethylchitosan chloride as a gene vector: synthesis and application

N,N,N-Trimethylchitosan chloride with different degrees of quaternization has been synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The particle size ranges from 150 to 600 nm, which is dependent on the N/P ratio and is less influenced by the degree of quaternization. The majority of the particles have a spherical morphology. The zeta potential of the particles increases with the N/P ratio and the quaternization degree of TMC. Short-term contact experiments show good biocompatibility of TMC, but long-term contact experiments reveal its high toxicity. This study suggests that TMC is a promising gene carrier, but further modification is still required to improve its cytocompatibility.