Abstract: The present invention discloses highly packed polycationic ammonium, sulfonium and phosphonium lipid compounds useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Methods for their preparation and use as intracellular delivery agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to cell culture media (particularly serum free, non animal derived, and/or chemically defined media) which are useful for introducing macromolecules and compounds (e.g., nucleic acid molecules) into cells (e.g., eukaryotic cells). According to the invention, such introduction can take place in the presence of said medium. Cells containing such introduced materials can then be cultured in the medium and the effect of the introduced materials on the cells can be measured or determined. In particular, the invention allows introduction of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., vectors) into cells (particularly eukaryotic cells) and expression of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecules in the cells. The invention obviates the need to change the cell culture medium each time a different procedure is performed with the cells (e.g., culturing cells vs. transfecting cells).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells comprising nucleic acid complexes with peptides, wherein the peptide is optionally covalently coupled to a nucleic acid-binding group, and cationic lipids or dendrimers as transfection agents. The invention also provides transfection compositions in which a peptide is covalently linked to the transfection agent (lipid, cationic lipid or dendrimer). Inclusion of peptides or modified-peptides in transfection compositions or covalent attachment of peptides to transfection agents results in enhanced transfection efficiency. Methods for the preparation of transfection compositions and methods of using these transfection compositions as intracellular delivery agents and extracellular targeting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cell lines that may have improved adhesive qualities, transgene expression level, growth rate, and/or growth rate in serum free medium or even chemically defined compared to cells of the prior art.