DNA Microcapsule for Photo‐Triggered Drug Release Systems

Abstract

In this study we constructed spherical photo‐responsive microcapsules composed of three photo‐switchable DNA strands. These strands first formed a three‐way junction (TWJ) motif that further self‐assembled to form microspheres through hybridization of the sticky‐end regions of each branch. To serve as the photo‐switch, multiple unmodified azobenzene (Azo) or 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(methylthio)azobenzene (SDM‐Azo) were introduced into the sticky‐end regions via a d‐threoninol linker. The DNA capsule structure deformed upon trans‐to‐cis isomerization of Azo or SDM‐Azo induced by specific light irradiation. In addition, photo‐triggered release of encapsulated small molecules from the DNA microcapsule was successfully achieved. Moreover, we demonstrated that photo‐triggered release of doxorubicin caused cytotoxicity to cultured cells. This biocompatible photo‐responsive microcapsule has potential application as a photo‐controlled drug‐release system.

Supramolecular assembly of DNA-constructed vesicles

“…[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] However, vesicular morphologies are predominantly reported from lipid-DNA conjugates or DNA functionalized liposomes, [29][30][31][32][33][34] while the field apart from lipid-based DNA constructs remains largely unexplored. 35 In previous work, we demonstrated the self-assembly of phenanthrene-DNA conjugates into vesicular structures with light-harvesting features. 36 Combining this approach with the rapidly evolving area of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), [37][38][39][40] we herein present DNA constructs assembled from DNA conjugates, functionalized with the AIEgen tetraphenylethylene (TPE).…”

Flexible polymeric patch based nanotherapeutics against non-cancer therapy

“…Furthermore, microcapsules are spherical microparticles similar to microspheres, but instead of the drug mixed homogeneously, the drugs are encapsulated by a polymeric coating [ 115 ]. The release of drugs can be tailored to be in response to certain stimulus such as pH [ 116 , 117 ], temperature [ 117 , 118 ], light [ 119 ], magnetic field strength [ 120 ] and even mechanical input [ 121 ].…”

Introducing LNAzo: More Rigidity for Improved Photocontrol of Oligonucleotide Hybridization**

“…This residue can be incorporated into oligonucleotides by standard solid‐phase synthesis. This “tAzo” residue has been widely used in many oligonucleotide applications, including photocontrol of enzymatic reactions, [29–31] transcription, [32, 33] and DNA nanostructures [34–36] . Despite its ability to stabilize duplexes in the trans state and its versatile photocontrol of duplex formation, certain drawbacks like the need for elevated temperatures for optimal switching can limit the scope of application in certain cases [26] …”

“…This "tAzo" residue has been widely used in many oligonucleotide applications, including photocontrol of enzymatic reactions, [29][30][31] transcription, [32,33] and DNA nanostructures. [34][35][36] Despite its ability to stabilize duplexes in the trans state and its versatile photocontrol of duplex formation, certain drawbacks like the need for elevated temperatures for optimal switching can limit the scope of application in certain cases. [26] More recently, a new linker system involving azobenzene Cnucleosides has been developed to improve the photocontrol capabilities.…”