Mg2+ substituted calcium phosphate nano particles synthesis for non viral gene delivery application

Gene therapy provides a unique approach to medicine as it can be adapted towards the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases. Recently, calcium phosphate vectors as a new generation of the non viral gene delivery nano carriers have been studied because of their biocompatibility and DNA condensation and gene transfer ability. Substituting cations, like magnesium, affects physical and chemical properties of calcium phosphate nano particles. In this study, Mg(2+) substituted calcium phosphate nano particles have been prepared using the simple sol gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area analysis, zeta potential measurement and ion release evaluation were used for characterization of the samples. It was concluded that presence of Mg ions decrease particle size and crystallinity of the samples and increase positive surface charge as well as beta tricalcium phosphate fraction in chemical composition of calcium phosphate. These properties result in increasing the DNA condensation ability, specific surface area and dissolution rate of the samples which make them suitable particles for gene delivery application.