DNA-collagen complex as a carrier for Ag+ delivery

The possibility of DNA-collagen complex as a drug carrier was investigated. The interaction between DNA and silver ions was proved by CD spectra. The release property of the complex of DNA-Ag+ was measured through turbidity of PBS solution to indicate that silver ions could coordinate with base pairs of DNA, and be released slowly from the complex of DNA-Ag+. Collagen film, collagen-Ag+ film, DNA-collagen film and DNA-collagen-Ag+ film were prepared, and studied through SEM. Particles were found present in DNA-collagen-Ag+ film by SEM. These show that silver ions may be enclosed inside these particles, which led to the slow release of Ag+ to the environments. Two bacteria, Eschericia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, were used to study the antibiotic properties of the complex films. The growth of E. coli and S. aureus could be inhibited by these films. It indicates that DNA-collagen may be a good drug carrier for the drug-controlled release. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.