Abstract: Provided herein is chitosan-derivative nanoparticle comprising chitosan functionalized with a cationic amino acid and a hydrophilic polyol; and methods of making and using same, e.g., for gene delivery in vivo.

Abstract: Provided herein is chitosan dually derivatized with arginine and gluconic acid; and methods of making and using the same, e.g., for gene delivery in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides highly concentrated chitosan-nucleic acid polyplex compositions and dispersions, and methods for producing the compositions and dispersions. Methods of mixing the chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes include an inline mixing of chitosan solution and nucleic acid solution, followed by further concentrating the dispersion of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes, optionally with an aggregation inhibitor. Further provides are methods for altering the diameter of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes.

Abstract: The invention provides highly concentrated chitosan-nucleic acid polyplex compositions and dispersions, and methods for producing the compositions and dispersions. Methods of mixing the chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes include an inline mixing of chitosan solution and nucleic acid solution, followed by further concentrating the dispersion of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes, optionally with an aggregation inhibitor. Further provides are methods for altering the diameter of chitosan-nucleic acid polyplexes.

Abstract: Provided herein is chitosan dually derivatized with arginine and gluconic acid; and methods of making and using the same, e.g., for gene delivery in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides chitosan-based nanoparticles that can protect nucleic acids and deliver the same into gut mucosal cells. Compositions and methods for the expression of therapeutic nucleic acids in cells of the gut mucosa are provided. Compositions and methods for delivering therapeutic proteins systemically from cells of the gut mucosa are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate of chitosan and polyamine polymer that is useful for transferring a desired gene medicine into cells, and a method for preparing the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a double conjugate that is prepared by 1 in king poly-L-arginine to low molecular weight chitosan or triple conjugate that is prepared by additionally linking polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the double conjugate, and a method for preparing the same. The chitosan based cationic polymer conjugate of the present invention forms a complex with negatively charged gene medicine such as plasmid DNA and small interfering RNA to efficiently transfer the desired gene medicine into cells with low cytotoxicity. Accordingly, the conjugate can be used as an effective delivery system for in vivo administration of gene medicine.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods useful for treating disorders treatable by producing a protein in a regulatable manner in a mucosal cell or tissue of an animal. The treatment methods include in vivo and ex vivo methods, including transplanting in vitro transformed cells that secrete the protein into a mammalian subject.