RT Journal Article ID 6c8e5dd25e836412 A1 Kumar, Mukesh A1 Jinturkar, Kaustubh A1 Yadav, M.R. A1 Misra, Ambikanandan T1 Gemini Amphiphiles: A Novel Class of Nonviral Gene Delivery Vectors JF Critical Reviews™ in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems JO CRT YR 2010 FD 2010-06-07 VO 27 IS 3 SP 237 OP 278 K1 nonviral vectors K1 gemini surfactant K1 gemini lipid K1 gene delivery K1 transfection AB A number of carriers have been developed for the delivery of genes, but the search for a clinically successful ideal carrier is ongoing. Nonviral carriers, especially cationic liposomes, were developed to resolve issues related to the immunogenicity and oncogenicity of viral carriers. Many synthetic cationic amphiphiles have been synthesized and structurally modified to incorporate genes into vesicular carriers to enhance DNA transfection efficiency and to reduce carrier toxicity. Of these carriers, gemini amphiphiles have demonstrated the suitable physiochemical properties needed for promising and novel gene carriers. Moreover, three basic parts (head, spacer, and chain) in the structure of gemini amphiphiles provide ample opportunities to tailor them according to the needs of specific gene delivery. Initial studies have demonstrated the superiority of gemini amphiphiles in gene delivery efficiency over currently used carriers for gene delivery. This article critically reviews these studies and provides a balanced view to fellow scientists to carry out their efforts in filling in the technological gaps. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/3667c4ae6e8fd136,7aba53bb4f11b332,6c8e5dd25e836412.html