LAUSR

Abstract DNA polymeric films (DNA‐PFs) are a promising drug delivery system (DDS) in modern medicine. In this study, we evaluated the growth behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells on DNA‐PFs. The morphological, biochemical, and cytometric features of OSCC cell adhesion on DNA‐PFs were also assessed. An initial, temporary alteration in cell morphology was observed at early time points owing to the inhibition of cell attachment to the film, which then returned to a normal morphological state at later time points. MTT and resazurin assays showed a moderate reduction in cell viability related to increased DNA concentration in the DNA‐PFs. Flow cytometry studies showed low cytotoxicity of DNA‐PFs, with cell viabilities higher than 90% in all the DNA‐PFs tested. Flow cytometric cell cycle analysis also showed average cell cycle phase distributions at later time points, indicating that OSCC cell growth is maintained in the presence of DNA‐PFs. These results show high biocompatibility of DNA‐PFs and suggest their use in designing “dressing material,” where the DNA film acts as a support for cell growth, or with incorporation of active or photoactive compounds, which can induce tissue regeneration and are useful to treat many diseases, especially oral cancer. HighlightsOral squamous cell carcinoma cells were successfully grown on DNA polymeric films.DNA polymeric films were not toxic to the cells at low concentrations of DNA.DNA polymeric films are proposed to act as a support for cell growth.Results are relevant for designing drug delivery systems for photodynamic therapy.