title: Cross-Linked Micellar Spherical Nucleic Acids from Thermoresponsive Templates.
abstract: A one-pot synthesis of micellar spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanostructures using Pluronic F127 as a thermoresponsive template is reported. These novel constructs are synthesized in a chemically straightforward process that involves intercalation of the lipid tails of DNA amphiphiles (CpG motifs for TLR-9 stimulation) into the hydrophobic regions of Pluronic F127 micelles, followed by chemical cross-linking and subsequent removal of non-cross-linked structures. The dense nucleic acid shell of the resulting cross-linked micellar SNA enhances their stability in physiological media and facilitates their rapid cellular internalization, making them effective TLR-9 immunomodulatory agents. These constructs underscore the potential of SNAs in regulating immune response and address the relative lack of stability of noncovalent constructs.
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Resham J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Banga
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meckes
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Suguna P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Narayan
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sprangers
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: SonBinh T
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6977-3445
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: International Institute of Nanotechnology, ‡Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, §Department of Chemistry, and ∥Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University , 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6634-7627
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mirkin
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry*; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008823:Micelles; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D008823:Micelles; D009696:Nucleic Acids