Abstract: Degradable polymers were synthesized that self-assemble with DNA to form particles that are effective for gene delivery. Small changes to polymer synthesis conditions, particle formulation conditions, and polymer structure provides significant changes to efficacy in a cell-type dependent manner. Polymers presented here are more effective than commercially available materials, such as LIPOFECTAMINE 2000™, FUGENE®, or polyethylenimine (PEI), for gene delivery to cancerous fibroblasts or human primary fibroblasts. The presently disclosed materials may be useful for cancer therapeutics and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles, microparticles, and gels for delivering cargo, e.g., a therapeutic agent, such as a peptide, to a target, e.g., a cell, and their use for treating diseases, including angiogenesis-dependent diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and cancer, are disclosed. Methods for formulating, stabilizing, and administering single peptides or combinations of peptides via polymeric particle and gel delivery systems also are disclosed.