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Degree

Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, Biomedical Engineering, 2007.

Abstract

An effective gene therapy wound healing device should have characteristics similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). To mimic the ECM, delivery devices should be permeable, fibrous structures capable of releasing DNA to cells for transfection. Therefore, plasmid DNA (pDNA) and linear polyethylenimine complexed pDNA (LPEI-pDNA) loaded electrospun Tecophilic® scaffolds are examined as a device for pDNA release. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal scaffolds with various morphologies and fiber diameters in the range of 0.5 - 3 μm. Absorbency studies in buffer demonstrate both a mass increase and area increase ratio of two. Tensile studies indicate that the scaffolds are capable of withstanding an ultimate stress of approximately 8 MPa and ultimate strain of ≥ 800 %. In addition, scaffolds are shown to have minimal cellular adhesive properties and are found to be non-cytotoxic to human dermal fibroblast cells in vitro. Agarose gel electrophoresis determines that the encapsulated pDNA retains its structural integrity throughout the fabrication and release processes. Sustained pDNA release is confirmed using PicoGreen® and released pDNA bioactivity is confirmed using fibroblast cells that are successfully transfected in vitro. Electrospun pDNA-Tecophilic® scaffolds are proven advantageous as a device for gene therapy wound healing. Similar to both the ECM and ideal dressings, the scaffolds are strong, elastic, air permeable, minimally adhesive, and non-cytotoxic. When used as a wound dressing, the absorptive properties of the scaffold should help to maintain a moist healing environment. Furthermore, electrospun Tecophilic® scaffolds will provide a sustained localized delivery of pDNA for cellular transfection.

Subject Headings

Engineering, Biomedical

Keywords

DNA; DNA Release; Electrospinning; Gene Delivery; Gene Therapy; Scaffold; Tecophilic; Wound Dressing

Advisor

Yang H. Yun

Pages

142p.

Document number: akron1193882087
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1193882087

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