Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
16:19
Synthesis, Cellular Delivery and In vivo Application of Dendrimer-based pH Sensors
Published on: September 10, 2013
12.1K
Extracellular Ion-Responsive Logic Sensors Utilizing DNA Dimeric Nanoassemblies on Cell Surface and Application to
Pai Peng1, Qiwei Wang1, Yi Du1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 12, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed novel logic sensors using framework nucleic acid (FNA) that respond to tumor microenvironment conditions. These sensors enhance the cellular uptake of anticancer drugs, offering a promising approach for precision cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment is characterized by high extracellular H+ and K+ concentrations.
- These unique features present opportunities for targeted cancer therapies.
- Existing drug delivery methods can be improved for better efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and utilize H+ and/or K+-responsive logic sensors for cancer-targeted drug delivery.
- To enhance cellular internalization of molecular payloads within tumor-mimicking environments.
- To apply framework nucleic acid (FNA) assembly for responsive drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- In situ dimeric framework nucleic acid (FNA) assembly on cell surfaces.
- Design of logic sensors responsive to extracellular pH and K+ levels.
- Utilizing an anticancer aptamer (AS1411) tethered to FNA with an i-motif controlling unit.
- Employing G-quadruplex formation and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for payload release.
Main Results:
- Developed AND-gated nanosensors that respond to both pH and K+.
- Demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization of AS1411 via the nanosensor compared to conventional methods.
- Successfully applied logic sensors to boost molecular payload delivery in tumor-mimicking environments.
Conclusions:
- Logic sensors based on dimeric FNA assembly are effective for tumor microenvironment-responsive drug delivery.
- This approach significantly improves the internalization of anticancer agents.
- Findings have major implications for precision cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery.
