Liposome Crosslinked Polyacrylamide/DNA Hydrogel: a Smart Controlled-Release System for Small Molecular Payloads

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for targeted therapy.
• Stimuli-responsive materials offer precise control over drug release kinetics.
• Liposomes are effective carriers for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel stimuli-responsive hydrogel system using liposomes as crosslinkers and drug carriers.
• To create a DNA hydrogel with programmable release triggered by specific stimuli.
• To demonstrate the controlled release of small molecule payloads from the hydrogel system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a polyacrylamide copolymer hydrogel functionalized with cholesterol-modified DNA motifs.
• Utilizing liposomes to noncovalently crosslink the DNA-functionalized polymer chains via hydrophobic interactions.
• Investigating stimuli-responsive properties using restriction endonuclease (EcoR I) and temperature changes.
• Evaluating the controlled release of hydrophobic (DiIC18(5)) and hydrophilic (calcein) model payloads from liposomes.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed a DNA hydrogel system crosslinked by liposomes.
• Demonstrated stimuli-responsive gel-to-sol transformation triggered by EcoR I or temperature.
• Achieved controlled release of liposomes encapsulating hydrophobic and hydrophilic payloads.
• Confirmed injectable and self-recovery properties of the developed hydrogel.

Conclusions:

• The novel DNA hydrogel system effectively utilizes liposomes for controlled release applications.
• Programmable smart responsive properties were achieved through DNA motif engineering.
• The system shows potential for advanced drug delivery, offering precise payload release and desirable material properties.