LAUSR

Abstract Poly(vinyl amine) was utilized as a matrix for the synthesis of polymers bearing short polyamine chains (1–3 amine groups) grafted to the main macromolecular chain with long (eight atoms) spacers. The new polymers were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, size exclusion chromatography and potentiometry. Poly(vinyl amine) was applied in the form of narrow molecular mass fractions and the modification proceeded without destruction of the main chain. Condensation of silicic acid in the presence of the polymeric amines gives rise to composite nanoparticles which are stable in aqueous medium. New polymers and composite nanoparticles effectively complex with DNA and RNA oligonucleotides and were found to display good internalization in cancer cells which indicates their promise towards gene delivery applications.