Cyclic dipeptide based cell-penetrating peptidomimetics for effective DNA delivery.

An unnatural CDP-amino acid (kd) is used in the design and synthesis of novel cell penetrating peptidomimetic (Kkd-5). The balanced cationic nature and structural rigidity of Kkd-5 resulted in serum stability, non-toxicity to cells, and interaction with membrane and DNA, all of which facilitated efficient cellular uptake and DNA delivery.