Biological and chemical assessment of DNA/chitosan complex film

Abstract

Transparent DNA/chitosan complex film was prepared from DNA/chitosan complex powder via hydrothermal hot pressing. In this study, we investigated the binding of daunorubicin hydrochloride (DH), proteins adsorption (fibronectin and albumin), mineral deposition, and rat soft-tissue response to the DNA/ chitosan complex film to determine whether this film has potential for use in membranes for bone tissue engineering. The binding ratio of DH to DNA/chitosan complex film was very close to the excision number of 3.7 for the binding of DH by native DNA. This indicated that DNA in the complex did not denature as a result of hot pressing. Apatite was formed on the surface of the film after immersion in simulated body fluid. However, quartz crystal microbalance analysis showed that protein absorption to the DNA/chitosan complex was very low. It was found that this film has an affinity for minerals rather than proteins. Although the film remained in an almost unchanged configuration at 21 days after subcutaneous implantation, the response of rat soft tissues to the film was mild. These results suggest that DNA/chitosan complex film has potential for use as a membrane in bone tissue engineering.