Release of DNA from cryogel PVA-DNA membranes

• Published in: Express polymer letters Vol. 4; no. 8; pp. 480 - 487
• Main Authors: Valente, A. J. M., Cruz, S. M. A., Moran, M. C., Murtinho, D. B., Muniz, E. C., Miguel, M. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Budapest University of Technology 01.08.2010
• Subjects: DNA; Polymer gels; Polymer membranes; PVA; Release kinetics
• ISSN: 1788-618X; 1788-618X
• DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.61

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 (kR) 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.