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Long-Term Stability of Chitosan-Based Polyplexes

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Purpose.

There is a lack of information about the long-term stability of chitosan-based polyplexes although a large amount is known as regards transfection efficiency and physicochemical characteristics. The aim of this work is to study the transfection efficiency and physicochemical properties of chitosan-based polyplexes over time when stored at different temperatures in an acetate-buffer at pH 5.5.

Methods.

Aqueous samples of chitosan-based polyplexes were aged at 4°C, 25°C, and 45°C for up to 1 year. Samples were taken at predetermined time-points and evaluated for in vitro transfection efficiency and physiochemical properties (particle size, zeta potential).

Results.

One year of storage at 4°C did not result in any major changes in the properties of the polyplexes. At 25°C there were minor changes in the physicochemical characteristics of the polyplexes, and the in vitro transfection efficiency was reduced at 1 year of storage. Storage at 45°C altered both the in vitro transfection efficiency and the physicochemical properties of the polyplexes after a short time.

Conclusions.

The biological and physicochemical stability of the chitosan-based polyplexes are maintained for 1 year of storage in acetate-buffer at 4°C. The changes in the polyplex characteristics at elevated temperatures may be explained by degradation of both plasmid and chitosan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Kristine Romøren, Astrid Aaberge & Gro Smistad

  2. Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway

    Beate J. Thu & Øystein Evensen

Authors
  1. Kristine Romøren
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  2. Astrid Aaberge
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  3. Gro Smistad
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  4. Beate J. Thu
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  5. Øystein Evensen
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Correspondence to Øystein Evensen.

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Romøren, K., Aaberge, A., Smistad, G. et al. Long-Term Stability of Chitosan-Based Polyplexes. Pharm Res 21, 2340–2346 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-004-7687-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-004-7687-1

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