Synthesis of tetraarm star block copolymer based on polytetrahydrofuran and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) for gene delivery applications

•Synthesis of new tetraarm star block copolymers based on PTHF and PMeOx blocks.•The transfection efficiency of the complex DNA/star copolymers was investigated.•A transfection efficiency as high as 3% Lutrol® formulations was observed.•Low amount of star copolymer was necessary compared to 3% Lutrol® formulations.