Supramolecular DNA nanogels through host–guest interaction for targeted drug delivery†

Abstract

DNA hydrogels have been demonstrated with the advantages of good stability, easy modification, and extraordinary biocompatibility, which enables their great application prospects in biosensing, tissue engineering, and biomedicine. Based on the host–guest recognition properties of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), we proposed a general method for constructing functional supramolecular DNA nanogels. Guest molecules have been conjugated into the DNA building units, which could be further crosslinked with CB[8] to construct supramolecular DNA nanogels. At the same time, the aptamer has also been modified into the hydrogel network to achieve cell targeting. These supramolecular DNA nanogels have been demonstrated with a controllable size and multiple stimuli responses, in addition to the excellent biocompatibility, stability and good targeting drug transport ability. Such a host–guest based strategy will provide a molecular library as a “toolbox” for the functionalization of DNA nanogels.