Heterogeneous multi-compartmental DNA hydrogel particles prepared via microfluidic assembly for lymphocyte-inspired precision medicine

Nanoscale. 2021 Dec 16;13(48):20531-20540. doi: 10.1039/d1nr06594g.

Abstract

Lymphocytes play a vital role in immunosurveillance through sensing biomolecules and eliminating targeted invaders. Compared with conventional therapies that depend on drug loading, lymphocytes are advantageous as they are able to ensure self-regulated therapeutics. Here, novel multi-compartmental DNA hydrogel particles were synthesized using a microfluidic assembly for intelligent cancer treatment via the logic-based control of siRNA release without external stimulation. The sensing sequence (D1) was compartmentalized from the treatment sequence (D2) with the use of core-shell DNA hydrogel particles. When D1 detects a cancer-associated biomarker, miRNA-21, a sequence cascade is triggered to release siRNA from D2, effectively eliminating the targeted cancer cells via lymphocyte-inspired precision medicine.

MeSH terms

  • DNA
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
  • Hydrogels*
  • Lymphocytes
  • Microfluidics*
  • Precision Medicine

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate
  • DNA