Gene therapy on film

Researchers have developed ultrathin, nanoscale films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from surfaces to target treatment in gene therapy.

Prof. David Lynn and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health created the films which can be used to coat implantable medical devices, offering a novel way to route useful genes to exactly where they could do the most good.

Lynn has used the nanoscale films to coat intravascular stents, small metal-mesh cylinders inserted during medical procedures to open blocked arteries. While similar in concept to currently available drug-coated stents, Lynn's devices could offer additional advantages. For example, Lynn hopes to deliver genes that could prevent the growth of smooth muscle tissue into the stents, a process which can re-clog arteries, or that could treat the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease.