title: DNA gel particles: an overview.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Interaction of Surfactants with Cell Membranes, Unit Associated with CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: mcmoranb@ub.edu.
authors.forename: M Carmen
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morán
authors.affiliation: Departament de Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Interaction of Surfactants with Cell Membranes, Unit Associated with CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: M Pilar
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Vinardell
authors.affiliation: Interaction of Surfactants with Cell Membranes, Unit Associated with CSIC, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXII, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Tecnología de Tensioactivos, IQAC-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: M Rosa
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Infante
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: M Graça
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Miguel
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Physical Chemistry 1, University of Lund, P.O. Box 124, 22100 Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005782:Gels; D004247:DNA
keywords: Cytotoxicity; DNA gels; DNA release; DNA–oppositely charged agent interaction; Hemocompatibility; Particles