Abstract: In invention concerns elastin-like polymer (ELP) delivery compositions and methods for the use thereof. In some aspects ELP compositions may be used to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids, polypeptides of small molecules. In some aspects, in vivo delivery with ELP compositions can directed to specific target sites by the application of local hyperthermia therapy. Compositions and methods for ELP gene therapy are provided.

Abstract: Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.

Abstract: In invention concerns elastin-like polymer (ELP) drug delivery compositions and methods for the use thereof. In some aspects ELP delivery vehicles may be used to deliver therapeutic drugs such as Hsp90 antagonists. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention concern in vivo delivery with ELP compositions directed to target sites by the application of local hyperthermia therapy. Methods of the invention may have particular utility in the delivery of geldanamycin and related drugs.

Abstract: Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.

Abstract: A biodegradable cationic lipopolymer comprising a polyethylenimine (PEI), a lipid, and a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer, wherein 1) the lipid and the biocompatible hydrophilic polymer are directly linked to the PEI backbone or 2) the lipid is linked to the PEI backbone through the biocompatible hydrophilic polymer. The cationic lipopolymers of the present invention can be used for delivery of a nucleic acid or any anionic bioactive agent to various organs and tissues after local or systemic administration.

Abstract: Linear polyethylenimine was modified with sterols, such as cholesterol, in three different geometries: linear shaped (L), T-shaped (T), and a combined linear- and T-shaped (LT), to result in linear polyethylenimine-sterol conjugates. These conjugates were mixed with nucleic acids to form complexes for delivery of the nucleic acids into cells. Mammalian cells transfected with these complexes showed protein expression levels higher than linear polyethylenimine alone, and twice that of branched polyethylenimine, but without any significant loss in cell viability. Methods of making these compositions and methods of using them for gene delivery are also described.

Abstract: A biodegradable, novel cationic lipopolymer comprising a branched polyethylenimine(PEI), a cholesterol derived lipid anchor, and a biodegradable linker which covalently links the branched PEI and cholesterol derived lipid anchor. One example of such a novel lipolymer is poly{(ethylene imine)-co-[N-2-aminoehtyl)ethylene imine]-co-[N-(N-cholesteryloxycabonyl-(2-aminoethyl))ethylene imine]} (“PEACE”). The cationic lipopolymers in the present invention can be used in drug delivery and are especially useful for delivery of a nucleic acid or any anionic bioactive agent to various organs and tissues after local or systemic administration. Methods of preparing and using the cationic lipopolymer gene carriers of the present invention to efficiently transfect cells, both in vitro and in vivo, are disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable non-toxic cationic lipopolymer comprising a branched polyethylenimine (PEI), a lipid anchor, biocompatible hydrophilic polymer spacer, and a biodegradable linker which covalently links the branched PEI, the spacer and the cholesterol derived lipid anchor. The cationic lipopolymers in the present invention can be used in drug delivery and are especially useful for delivery of a nucleic acid or any anionic bioactive agent to various organs and tissues after local or systemic administration.