Poly(amine-co-ester) polymers and polyplexes with modified end groups and methods of use thereof

A method of increasing the transfection efficiency of a nucleic acid agent delivered using a polymer of Formula I:

• wherein n is an integer from 1-30, m, o, and p are independently integers from 1-20, x, y, and q are independently integers from 1-1000, R is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, Z and Z′ are independently O or NR′, wherein R′ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl,
• wherein R1 and R2 are chemical entities containing a hydroxyl group, a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a tertiary amine group, or combinations thereof, comprising
• producing the polymer with a weight average molecular weight, as measured by gel permeation chromatography using narrow polydispersity polystyrene standards, is between about 2,000 Daltons and 20,000 Daltons, preferably between about 2,000 Daltons and about 10,000 Daltons, most preferably between about 2000 Daltons and about 7,000 Daltons, and
• exposing hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups on the polymer.

A polymer of Formula I:

• wherein n is an integer from 1-30, m, o, and p are independently integers from 1-20, x, y, and q are independently integers from 1-1000, R is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, Z and Z′ are independently O or NR′, wherein R′ is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl,
• wherein R1 and R2 are chemical entities containing a hydroxyl group, a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a tertiary amine group, or combinations thereof, comprising
• having a weight average molecular weight, as measured by gel permeation chromatography using narrow polydispersity polystyrene standards, is between about 2,000 Daltons and 20,000 Daltons, preferably between about 2,000 Daltons and about 10,000 Daltons, most preferably between about 2000 Daltons and about 7,000 Daltons,
• with exposed hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups on the polymer.