Programmable CRISPR-responsive smart materials

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive materials activated by biological signals play an increasingly important role in biotechnology applications. We exploit the programmability of CRISPR-associated nucleases to actuate hydrogels containing DNA as a structural element or as an anchor for pendant groups. After activation by guide RNA–defined inputs, Cas12a cleaves DNA in the gels, thereby converting biological information into changes in material properties. We report four applications: (i) branched poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels releasing DNA-anchored compounds, (ii) degradable polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogels encapsulating nanoparticles and live cells, (iii) conductive carbon-black–DNA hydrogels acting as degradable electrical fuses, and (iv) a polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogel operating as a fluidic valve with an electrical readout for remote signaling. These materials allow for a range of in vitro applications in tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and diagnostics.

Intrinsically porous molecular building blocks for metal organic frameworks tailored by the bridging effect of counter cations

“…Developing superior smart materials has been pivotal to resolve industrial, environmental, and societal challenges. [1][2][3][4] The concept of preparing "materials on demand" or tailoring material design has fueled this field for the last decade. 5 Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have proved to be a main player in this field following the guidelines of reticular chemistry and the well-defined structures of their secondary building units (SBUs) or molecular building blocks (MBBs).…”

From Shape to Function: The Next Step in Bioprinting

“…A key advantage of this system is, however, the possibility to modulate its degradation either with proteases, attacking its polymer backbone, or DNase, targeting the crosslinkers, without harming the overall structural stability of the gel. Future developments of this approach could include hydrogels with smart and programmable degradation profile, as suggested using CRISPR as a tool to create cleavable matrices …”

Combination of versatile platforms for the development of synthetic biology

“…In a recent publication by Collins and coworkers, they presented a series of stimuli-responsive materials actuated by biological signal. A group of hydrogels containing DNA as structural or anchorable elements were developed with the ability to respond the programmable nuclease Cas12a [60]. Activated by the guide RNA-defined inputs, the DNA linker was cut by Cas12a in the hydrogels and therefore connected biological signals to material properties.…”