Engineering target-responsive hydrogels based on aptamer-target interactions.
In this communication, we report a simple, but highly adaptable, method of constructing selective target-responsive hydrogels using DNA aptamers. The simplicity of the design is accomplished by using linear polymer chains as the hydrogel backbone and a DNA aptamer as the cross-linker. In this design, competitive binding of target to the aptamer causes the decrease of cross-linking density and, hence, dissolution of the hydrogel. The adaptability of this strategy for therapeutic applications was demonstrated using two different types of targets, small molecules and proteins. Our results indicated that this molecular engineering provides a highly selective and controllable release system whereby efficient release of therapeutic agents can occur at specific environments in which the target biomarker is found.
Yang
Huanghao
H
Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, Department of Chemistry and Shands Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brian Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, USA.
Liu
Haipeng
H
Kang
Huaizhi
H
Tan
Weihong
W
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000241:Adenosine / Q000737:chemistry; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000737:chemistry*; D001483:Base Sequence; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D020100:Hydrogels; C016680:polyacrylamide gels; D000241:Adenosine