Photothermally Activated Electrospun Nanofiber Mats for High-Efficiency Surface-Mediated Gene Transfection

Although electrospun nanofibers have been used to deliver functional genes into cells attached to the surface of the nanofibers, the controllable release of genes from nanofibers and the subsequent gene transfection with high efficiency remain challenging. Herein, photothermally activated electrospun hybrid nanofibers are developed for high-efficiency surface-mediated gene transfection. Nanofibers with a core-sheath structure are fabricated using coaxial electrospinning. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding basic fibroblast growth factor is encapsulated in the fiber core, and gold nanorods with photothermal properties are embedded in the fiber sheath composed of poly(L-lactic acid) and gelatin. The nanofiber mats show excellent and controllable photothermal response under near-infrared irradiation. The permeability of the nanofibers is thereby enhanced to allow the rapid release of pDNA. In addition, transient holes are formed in the membranes of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts attached to the mat, thus facilitating delivery and transfection with pDNA and leading to increased proliferation and migration of the transfected cells in vitro. This work offers a facile and reliable method for the regulation of cell function and cell behavior via localized gene transfection, showing great potential for application in tissue engineering and cell-based therapy.