DNA release studies via molecularly imprinted p(HEMA) cryogel membranes

This work aims to introduce the challenges of biomolecule imprinting and demonstrate the sustained release of a biomolecule from the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [p(HEMA)] based cryogel membranes. For that purpose, herring sperm single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) was selected as a model biomolecule and p(HEMA) cryogel membranes containing different amounts of functional monomer, and crosslinker were prepared to minimise some challenges of biomolecule imprinting and enhance the recognition capability of the biomolecule carrier. Before the DNA release studies, the functional group analysis, the physical properties, and macroporosities of cryogels were investigated with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a swelling test, respectively. Following the characterisation studies, the released performance of DNA from the cryogels was examined in skin-mimic pH. According to our experimental results, _L-cystine, a functional monomer, was successfully incorporated into the polymer chain and the macroporosity of p(HEMA) cryogels was altered with the addition of crosslinker amount and the excess of crosslinker can decrease the burst release of DNA. The Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models were well-fitted to the DNA released and DNA transport mechanism obeyed non-Fickian. As demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis and cytotoxicity test, DNA maintained its stability and integrity in the release medium and p(HEMA)-based cryogel membranes exhibited no cytotoxic effect on the L929 cell line, respectively.