Biomedical DNA hydrogels

Abstract

Due to considerable progress in DNA nanotechnology, DNA is gaining significant attention as a programmable building block for the next generation of soft biomaterials. DNA has been used as either the only component to form all-DNA hydrogels or a cross-linker or functional entity to form hybrid DNA hydrogels through physical interactions or chemical reactions. The formed hydrogels exhibit adequate biocompatibility, convenient programmability, tunable multifunctionality, and capability of precise molecular recognition, making them an irreplaceable polymeric platform for interfacing biology. Responsive DNA hydrogels that are prepared through hybridization of DNA sticky ends, formation of i-motifs, enzymatic ligation, and enzymatic polymerization are commonly reported nowadays, which can undergo disassembly induced by various triggers, including alteration in ionic strength, pH, temperature, and biomolecules. These hydrogels are envisioned for applications of drug delivery and biosensing. This perspective aims to assess the most recent and important developments in this emerging class of biomedically useful DNA hydrogels.