Transparent film formation of DNA/cationic polymer complexes by hydrothermal hot pressing: Observation of cell culture on films and biodegradation of films in vivo

Abstract

Films were prepared from the powders of DNA/poly-L-arginine, DNA/poly-L-lysine, and DNA/ chitosan complexes via hydrothermal hot-pressing in an effort to make more useful dental materials. The contact angles of water were between 37.6° and 49.9°. Zeta potentials at pH 7.4 were between 10.96 mV and 30.44 mV. The DNA/chitosan complex film showed the lowest contact angle and highest zeta potential. All films showed poor attachment of dermal fibroblast cells, with cells forming spheroids on all films. However, the cells survived on the films after a 5-day cultivation period. The DNA/poly-L-arginine and DNA/poly-L-lysine complex films were almost completely biodegraded within 14 days and most of the DNA/chitosan complex films were biodegraded 90 days after implantation in soft tissues of rats. These results suggest that films formed from DNA/polycation complexes will be useful for clinical treatments requiring thin membranes or films, such as protective membranes for stomatitis and incised oral wounds. © 2013 The Hard Tissue Biology Network Association Printed in Japan, All rights reserved.