DNA gel particles: An overview

• Comprehensive review of DNA gel particles as controlled DNA delivery systems
• DNA gel particles derived from surfactants, proteins and polysaccharides
• Kinetics of swelling or deswelling, dissolution, and DNA release
• In vitro hemolytic and cytotoxic characterization
• Current status and prospects on DNA gel particles are discussed.

A general understanding of interactions between DNA and oppositely charged compounds forms the basis for developing novel DNA-based materials, including gel particles. The association strength, which is altered by varying the chemical structure of the cationic cosolute, determines the spatial homogeneity of the gelation process, creating DNA reservoir devices and DNA matrix devices that can be designed to release either single- (ssDNA) or double-stranded (dsDNA) DNA. This review covers recent developments on the topic of DNA gel particles formed in water–water emulsion-type interfaces. The degree of DNA entrapment, particle morphology, swelling/dissolution behavior and DNA release responses are discussed as functions of the nature of the cationic agent used. On the basis of designing DNA gel particles for therapeutic purposes, recent studies on the determination of the surface hydrophobicity and the hemolytic and the cytotoxic assessments of the obtained DNA gel particles have been also reported.

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