Abstract

ENCAPSULATION OF ? DNA IN CHITOSAN MICROSPHERES AS A GENE DELIVERY VEHICLE

Hire Nitin N*, Derle Dilip V, Bhagat Anirudh B.

Abstract

The biodegradable polymers like Chitosan are considered as the green eco-friendly materials due their biocompatibility and non-toxic properties. Biodegradable microspheres and nanoparticles have proven to be very useful in protein and DNA delivery systems. These are easily taken up by immunocompetent cells, shows prolonged antigen release characteristics and provide a long lasting immunity. Micro and nano-particulate based protein and DNA delivery systems have its importance for various therapeutic and biomedical applications. Microspheres were formulated by complex coacervation method and characterised for their surface morphology, size, loading efficiency, and release profile study. The microsphere morphology was examined by SEM and Zeta sizer. It was found that Chitosan encapsulated with λ DNA showed loading efficiency more than 82% It was also found that The particle size for Chitosan was varying between 162-373 nm. Release of λ DNA from encapsulated Chitosan microspheres were checked spectrophotometrically with optical density 260 nm for λ DNA, by taking samples at different time intervals dissolved in PBS (phosphate saline buffer, at pH 7.4).

Keywords: Chitosan, SEM, microsphere, in vitro.