pDNA loaded calcium phosphate nanoparticles: highly efficient non-viral vector for gene delivery

Nanoparticles of calcium phosphate encapsulating plasmid DNA (pDNA) of size 100-120nm in diameter were prepared. XRD studies of these nanoparticles showed them to be crystalline in nature having hydroxyapatite structure. The maximum loading of pDNA and its release from nanoparticles were studied using gel electrophoresis. The time dependent size measurement of these particles demonstrated that these particles show strong aggregational behaviour in aqueous dispersion. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles were found to be dissolved even in low acidic buffer (pH 5.0) releasing the pDNA, which suggested that DNA release from these particles in the endosomal compartment was possible. In vitro transfection efficiency of these calcium phosphate nanoparticles was found to be higher than that of the commercial transfecting reagent Polyfect. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.