Release of DNA from cryogel PVA-DNA membranes

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels have been used for numerous biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, as a consequence of their non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and bioadhesive properties. In this communication the effect of different factors, such as type of electrolyte, ionic strength, temperature (ranging from 20 to 40°C) and cationic surfactants on the distribution coefficients (α) and release rate constants (k R) of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from PVA-DNA blend gel matrices (of a sheet shape), will be presented and discussed. The release kinetic constant and the distribution coefficient of DNA are quite sensitive to the surrounding matrix media (e.g., kR ranges from 1.5·10 -8 to 4.7·10 -7 s -1). The analysis of the temperature dependence on kR shows that the activation energy for the DNA desorption to an aqueous solution is equal to 21.2 kJ/mol. These results constitute a step forward towards the design of controlled DNA release PVA-based devices. © BME-PT.