A general approach for DNA encapsulation in degradable polymer microcapsules

Abstract

We report a general and facile method for the encapsulation of DNA in nanoengineered, degradable polymer microcapsules. Single-stranded (ss), linear double-stranded (ds), and plasmid DNA were encapsulated into disulfide-cross-linked poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) capsules. The encapsulation procedure involves four steps: adsorption of DNA onto amine-functionalized silica (SiO2 +) particles; sequential deposition of thiolated PMA (PMASH) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) to form multilayers; cross-linking of the thiol groups of the PMASH in the multilayers into disulfide linkages; and removal of the sacrificial SiO2 + particles. Multilayer growth was dependent on the surface coverage of DNA on the SiO..