Cyto- and histocompatibility of multilayered DNA-coatings on titanium

DNA-containing biomaterial coatings offer potential beneficial effects for both soft and hard tissue implants because of the structural properties of DNA. In the current study, the aim was to assess the in vitro cyto- and in vivo histocompatibility of multilayered DNA-coatings generated using the electrostatic self-assembly technique, with poly-D-lysine or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) as the cationic counterparts of anionic DNA. Multilayered DNA-coatings were fabricated on titanium substrates. Noncoated titanium substrates served as controls. In vitro experiments with rat primary dermal fibroblasts (RDF) assessing their viability were performed using a Live/Dead assay and an MTT-based assay. The presence of multilayered DNA-coatings did not affect RDF cell viability. On the other hand, an increased proliferation was demonstrated on both types of multilayered DNA-coatings. An in vivo rat model was used to study the soft tissue histocompatibility of subcutaneously inserted implants during implantation periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Light microscopic analysis revealed that all implants were surrounded by a fibrous capsule containing alpha-smooth muscle actin, and that the presence of a multilayered DNA-coating did not induce any adverse effects in terms of inflammation and wound healing. Histomorphometrically, no significant differences in capsule quality or thickness were observed dependent on multilayered DNA-coating or implantation period. The cyto- and histocompatibility of multilayered DNA-coatings demonstrated in this study allows their use and functionalization with appropriate compounds to modulate cell and tissue responses in dental and medical implantology.