Abstract
Cationic surfactants interact with DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), forming surfactant-DNA complexes that offer particularly efficient control for encapsulation and release of DNA from DNA gel particles. In the present work, DNA-based particles were prepared using CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) as the cationic surfactant and modified using two different additives: (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes) MWNT or PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol). The use of both additives to form composites increased the stability of the gel particles. The stability was monitored by the release of DNA and CTAB in different pH solutions. However, not much is known about the influence of pH on DNA–surfactant interaction and the release of DNA and surfactant from gel particles. It was observed that the solubilization of DNA occurs only in very acid media, while that of CTAB does not depend on pH and gets to a plateau after about 8 h. Within 2 h in contact with a pH = 2 solution, about 1% DNA and CTAB was released. Complete destruction for the gel particles was observed in pH = 2 solution after 17 days for PEG and 20 days for MWNT. The composite particles show a considerably enlarged sustained release span compared to the unmodified ones. The dehydration-rehydration studies show that the structure of the composite gel particles, as determined from SAXS (Small-Angle-X-Ray-Scattering) experiments, is similar to that of the unmodified ones. These studies will allow a better knowledge of these particles’ formation and evolution in view of possible applications in drug delivery and release.
Highlights
Cationic surfactants interact with DNA, forming surfactant-DNA complexes [1]
The stability of gel particles formed by interaction of neutral molecules, DNA and cationic surfactant has an important role in different applications, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and gene therapy
The DNA during the formation process is enclosed inside the gel particle and the membrane is formed by the co-precipitation of DNA and cationic surfactant
Summary
Cationic surfactants interact with DNA, forming surfactant-DNA complexes [1]. A clear understanding of the interaction between DNA and cationic surfactant and, in particular, the stability of the gel particles has prompted us to study. As the DNA-based gel particles that have a high DNA content are promising DNA vehicles for use in non-viral gene delivery systems. For this kind of vehicle, the stability at different pHs is a key factor. The possible use of these particles as oral delivery vehicles prompted us to improve the stability in acidic media
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