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Long-term stability of chitosan-based polyplexes.
Kristine Romøren1, Astrid Aaberge, Gro Smistad
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Pharmaceutical Research
|January 15, 2005
Summary
Chitosan-based polyplexes remain stable for one year when stored at 4°C. Elevated temperatures (25°C and 45°C) negatively impact their transfection efficiency and physicochemical properties over time.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Gene Delivery Systems
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Chitosan polyplexes are widely studied for gene delivery.
- Limited data exists on their long-term stability and storage conditions.
- Understanding stability is crucial for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term stability of chitosan-based polyplexes.
- To evaluate the impact of storage temperature on transfection efficiency.
- To determine changes in physicochemical properties over time.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan polyplexes were stored at 4°C, 25°C, and 45°C for up to one year.
- In vitro transfection efficiency was measured at various time points.
- Physicochemical properties, including particle size and zeta potential, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Storage at 4°C for one year showed no significant changes in polyplex properties.
- Minor physicochemical changes and reduced transfection efficiency were observed at 25°C after one year.
- Significant alterations in transfection efficiency and physicochemical properties occurred rapidly at 45°C.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-based polyplexes exhibit excellent biological and physicochemical stability for one year when stored at 4°C in acetate buffer.
- Degradation of plasmid and chitosan likely contributes to property changes at higher temperatures.
- Refrigerated storage at 4°C is recommended for maintaining the integrity and efficacy of these polyplexes.