Programmable DNA Hydrogels as Artificial Extracellular Matrix

Abstract

The cell microenvironment plays a crucial role in regulating cell behavior and fate in physiological and pathological processes. As the fundamental component of the cell microenvironment, extracellular matrix (ECM) typically possesses complex ordered structures and provides essential physical and chemical cues to the cells. Hydrogels have attracted much attention in recapitulating the ECM. Compared to natural and synthetic polymer hydrogels, DNA hydrogels have unique programmable capability, which endows the material precise structural customization and tunable properties. This review focuses on recent advances in programmable DNA hydrogels as artificial extracellular matrix, particularly the pure DNA hydrogels. It introduces the classification, design, and assembly of DNA hydrogels, and then summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art achievements in cell encapsulation, cell culture, and tissue engineering with DNA hydrogels. Ultimately, the challenges and prospects for cellular applications of DNA hydrogels are delivered.

Inhibition of Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo by Self-Assembled DNA-Silver Nanocluster Structures

“…In our study, branched Y-Ag showed effective inactivation of bacteria in vitro (Figure ) and in vivo (Figure d). Particularly, customizable DNA structures can provide precisely controllable physicochemical properties for AgNCs, and they have served as the building block to fabricate hydrogels over the past decades . In our study, Y-Ag-gel was synthesized by the sticky ends mediated self-assembly method (Figure a), showing the effective inhibition of bacteria growth (Figure ).…”

“…In particular, branched DNA-stabilized AgNCs exhibit superior antimicrobial capacity . Especially, branched DNA nanostructures are frequently used as building scaffolds to fabricate instant hydrogels. , …”

“…Hydrogels have shown wide application as an ideal artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) in cellular proliferation and differentiation in vitro and tissue engineering in vivo due to their high water content, controllable mechanical property, and excellent delivery capacity. − For example, hydrogels encapsulating bactericides are often used for bacterial infection treatment and wound healing . An antibacterial DNA-AgNCs hydrogel was first prepared by the rolling circle amplification (RCA) of a circular DNA (circ-DNA), which provided a novel strategy to address the bacterial infection.…”

“…A biocompatible metallo-nucleoside supramolecular hydrogel was described to promote wound closure . Compared to linear DNA, branched DNA nanostructures are more programmable, are ordered, and have better-defined local structural domains, which is beneficial for the generation of functionalized DNA hydrogels. , A DNA hydrogel formed by cross-linking branched DNA-AgNCs structures for in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial application has not been reported yet.…”

Controlled Thin Polydimethylsiloxane Membrane with Small and Large Micropores for Enhanced Attachment and Detachment of the Cell Sheet

“…PDMS-based membranes allow the precise control of well-defined pores through the combinative interaction of material, morphology, and fabrication technique [ 5 , 24 , 25 ]. In addition, the roughness and softness of PDMS caused by surface pores enable cells to directly and actively adhere on the PDMS membrane, which has tunable transport properties, unlike the extracellular matrix, where collagen, fibronectin, and laminin are needed to induce the passive adhesion of cells [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Moreover, thin porous membranes with both small and large pores play an important role in cell growth and tissue formation on the substrate of cell sheets.…”