Cationic polymers have recently attracted considerable interest as research breakthroughs for various industrial and biomedical applications. They are particularly interesting due to their highly positive charges, acceptable physicochemical properties, and ability to undergo further modifications, making them attractive candidates for biomedical applications. Polyethyleneimines (PEIs), as the most extensively utilized polymers, are one of the valuable and prominent classes of polycations. Owing to their flexible polymeric chains, broad molecular weight (MW) distribution, and repetitive structural units, their customization for functional composites is more feasible. The specific beneficial attributes of PEIs could be introduced by purposeful functionalization or modification, long service life, biocompatibility, and distinct geometry. Therefore, PEIs have significant potential in biotechnology, medicine, and bioscience. In this review, we present the advances in PEI-based nanomaterials, their transfection efficiency, and their toxicity over the past few years. Furthermore, the potential and suitability of PEIs for various applications are highlighted and discussed in detail. This review aims to inspire readers to investigate innovative approaches for the design and development of next-generation PEI-based nanomaterials possessing cutting-edge functionalities and appealing characteristics.

中文翻译：

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PEI 基功能材料：制造技术、性能和生物医学应用

作为各种工业和生物医学应用的研究突破，阳离子聚合物最近引起了人们极大的兴趣。由于其高正电荷、可接受的物理化学性质以及进行进一步修饰的能力，它们特别令人感兴趣，使它们成为生物医学应用的有吸引力的候选者。聚乙烯亚胺（PEI）作为应用最广泛的聚合物，是有价值且突出的聚阳离子之一。由于其柔性的聚合物链、宽的分子量（MW）分布和重复的结构单元，它们的功能复合材料的定制更加可行。PEI 的特定有益属性可以通过有目的的功能化或修饰、长使用寿命、生物相容性和独特的几何形状来引入。因此，PEI 在生物技术、医学和生物科学领域具有巨大的潜力。在这篇综述中，我们介绍了过去几年基于 PEI 的纳米材料的进展、它们的转染效率和毒性。此外，还强调并详细讨论了 PEI 在各种应用中的潜力和适用性。本综述旨在激励读者研究设计和开发具有尖端功能和吸引人特性的下一代 PEI 基纳米材料的创新方法。