Self-Healing and Thermal Responsive DNA Bioplastics for On-Demand Degradable Medical Devices

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing demand for the development of biomass-based plastic materials as a solution to address the pressing issue of accumulated plastic waste. Alongside biodegradable plastics derived from petroleum and organisms, DNA-based materials have emerged as potential substitutes for nonbiodegradable plastics. Here, we introduce DNA Bioplastics that are synthesized through a one-pot process involving DNA and a cross-linker. These DNA Bioplastics exhibit key characteristics that closely resemble conventional plastic materials, including thermal-responsive volumetric transition, thermoplasticity, and solidification, leveraging the inherent properties of DNA. By manipulating the cross-linking density of DNA Bioplastic during the reaction, we have successfully demonstrated the ability to achieve a wide range of desirable physical properties. The versatility of DNA as a renewable source and the eco-friendly disposal options for DNA Bioplastics open up new avenues for the disposable bioplastic materials, including disposable medical devices.