Sequence-Independent DNA Nanogel as a Potential Drug Carrier

DNA nanostructures largely rely on pairing DNA bases; thus, sequence designing is required. Here, this study demonstrates a sequence-independent strategy to fabricate DNA nanogel (NG) inspired by cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug that acts as a DNA crosslinker. A simple heating and cooling of the genomic DNA extracts and cisplatin produces DNA NG with a size controlled by the heating time. Furthermore, the drug-loaded NG is formulated by spontaneously mixing DNA segments, cisplatin, and doxorubicin. The in vitro cell studies demonstrate that the doxorubicin-loaded NG alters the drug distribution in cells while its cytotoxic potential is well-maintained. This chemotherapeutic-inspired method provides a facile one-pot and cost-effective strategy to fabricate size-controllable DNA NG that potentially acts as drug carrier.