Influence of cross-linker on hydrogel properties for DNA delivery applications

PMSE 570

Sidi A Bencherif, sabenche@andrew.cmu.edu1, Jeffrey A Sheehan, jasheeha@andrew.cmu.edu2, Lynn M Walker, lwalker@andrew.cmu.edu2, Jeffrey O Hollinger, hollinge@andrew.cmu.edu3, and Newell R Washburn, washburn@andrew.cmu.edu4. (1) Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, (2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, (3) Bone Tissue Engineering Center, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 14213, (4) Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
An investigation of DNA release from degradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(glycolic acid) hydrogels is presented. It is shown that by varying the chemistry of the cross-linker group, significant variations in hydrogel degradation kinetics can be achieved to better control the release profiles of encapsulated DNA. We have prepared three analogues of PEG-PGA hydrogels by a photopolymerization process and measured variation in degradation rates by monitoring mechanical properties, swelling ratios, and release of plasmid DNA. Biocompatibility of these matrices was assessed using cell adhesion and viability assays on peptide-functionalized matrices. This approach provides an additional strategy for controlling the release of biologically active compounds from hydrogels.
 

Advances in Protein Drugs and Gene Delivery: Delivery and Diagnostic Technologies
8:30 AM-12:00 PM, Thursday, 14 September 2006 San Francisco Marriott -- Salon 7, Oral

Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering

The 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, September 10-14, 2006