Preparation and in vitro evaluation of DNA-bonded polymeric nanoparticles as new approach for transcutaneous vaccination

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a DNA vaccine, which can be applied topically as a cream containing plasmid DNA (pDNA)/cationic polymeric nanoparticle (PP) complex. The selected pDNA was pCMV-S encoding hepatitis B surface antigen. pCMV-S was incorporated into four different PPs and those were dispersed separately in a cream formulation. For each formulation, particle size, zeta potential, pDNA binding ability and cytotoxic property were examined and transfection assay was performed followed by investigation of in vitro release from the cream. Particle sizes of the PPs and pDNA/PPs were 108.19 ± 8.77 - 342.72 ± 5.88 nm and with a positive zeta potential of 18.47 ± 0.69 - 48.74 ± 0.63 mV at pH 7.4. In vitro release profiles demonstrated pDNA/PP release from the cream within 4 h