Control of gene transfer efficiency utilizing apatite surface

Abstract

An apatite layer immobilizing DNA and fibronectin (DF-Ap layer) was formed on the surface of a polystyrene substrate in a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution supplemented with DNA and fibronectin (DF solution). By adding fluoride to the DF solution, solubility of the resulting DF-Ap layer was decreased, thereby decreasing efficiency of gene transfer on the DF-Ap surface. In contrast, by adding carbonate to the DF solution, solubility of the resulting DF-Ap layer was increased, thereby increasing efficiency of gene transfer on the DF-Ap surface. The present gene transfer system with the controllable efficiency would be useful in tissue engineering and gene therapy applications.