Controlled release of plasmid DNA from biodegradable scaffolds fabricated using a thermally-induced phase-separation method

Highly porous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds were fabricated by a thermally-induced phase-separation (TIPS) method to deliver plasmid DNA in a controlled manner. A variety of TIPS parameters directly affecting pore structures and their interconnectivities of the scaffold, such as polymer concentration, solvent/non-solvent ratio, quenching methods and annealing time, were systematically examined to explore their effects on sustained release behaviors of plasmid DNA. Plasmid DNA was directly loaded into the inner pore region of the scaffold during the TIPS process. By optimizing the parameters, PLGA scaffolds releasing plasmid DNA over 21 days were successfully fabricated. DNA release profiles were mainly affected by the pore structures and their interconnectivities of the scaffolds. Plasmid DNA released from the scaffolds fully maintained its structural integrity and showed comparable transfection efficiency to native plasmid DNA. These biodegradable polymeric scaffolds capable of sustained DNA release can be potentially applied for various tissue engineering purposes requiring a combined gene delivery strategy.