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Primer-Free Aptamer Selection Using A Random DNA Library
Published on: July 26, 2010
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Dynamic, Bioresponsive Hydrogels via Changes in DNA Aptamer Conformation
Se Won Bae1, Jae Sung Lee1, Victoria M Harms1
1Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|December 20, 2018
Summary
Synthetic hydrogels with DNA aptamers change volume when binding target molecules. This creates smart materials for potential drug delivery and sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Molecular Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- DNA aptamers offer molecular recognition capabilities.
- Hydrogels are versatile soft materials with tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop hydrogels that exhibit macroscopic volume changes in response to specific molecular targets.
- To integrate DNA aptamers as cross-links within hydrogel networks to induce stimulus-responsive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of single-stranded DNA aptamers in an extended state as cross-links in synthetic hydrogel networks.
- Utilizing the conformational change of aptamers upon target molecule binding to trigger hydrogel volume changes.
- Testing hydrogels with adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding aptamers and insulin-binding aptamers.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels with ATP-binding aptamers showed controllable volume decreases up to 40.3 ± 4.6% upon exposure to ATP.
- The extent of volume change was dependent on aptamer concentration, temperature, and target molecule concentration.
- Demonstrated the versatility of the approach by showing volume changes in response to soluble insulin using insulin-binding aptamers.
Conclusions:
- Bioinspired hydrogels can be engineered to undergo macroscopic volume changes driven by DNA aptamer conformational shifts.
- This approach offers a platform for creating smart hydrogels for applications in sensing and controlled release.
- The methodology is generalizable to various aptamer-target pairs, highlighting its broad applicability.
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