The use of genetically modified islets is a potential strategy for overcoming pitfalls that currently plague islet transplantation. This study employed functional polymeric vectors specifically designed to transfect insulin-secreting cells and results were compared to various non-viral vectors. The evaluation included transfection efficiency, experimental condition effects, gross morphological observation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, gene distribution in treated islets, insulin secretion function and time-dependent gene expression pattern. Observations from this study suggest that 1) the experimental conditions for islet transfection should be optimized, 2) the cytotoxicity of sulfonylurea containing vectors differs between the RINm5F cell line and primary pancreatic islets, 3) the non-viral vectors were primarily located in the peripheral region of an islet where the initial cell toxicity/apoptosis was apparent, 4) the genetic modification of pancreatic islets with genes for secretory proteins is more feasible than for residing proteins, and 5) the gene construct selection may prolong the gene expression period and oscillating pattern as demonstrated in this study. This study provides some fundamental background information that will aid in further designing polymeric gene vectors for the optimal manipulation of pancreatic islets prior to transplantation.