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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Injectable and NIR-Responsive DNA-Inorganic Hybrid Hydrogels with Outstanding Photothermal Therapy
Bin Liu1,2, Jing Sun3, Junjie Zhu4
1State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, China.
Abstract:
Surgical excision is one of the main treatments for malignant tumors. However, high risk of tumour recurrence is a major challenge. Near-infrared (NIR)-light-induced tumor photothermal therapy has been studied, while its clinical applications are still restricted due to the limited therapeutic effects. To address this, here, a novel NIR-light-responsive and injectable DNA-mediated upconversion and Au nanoparticle hybrid (DNA-UCNP-Au) hydrogel is developed. Due to the confined and concentrated environment induced by the interaction between adjacent DNA strands and UCNP-Au NPs, an ultrastrong photothermal effect is observed. A photothermal efficiency as high as 42.7% is realized in the hydrogel, which is superior to pristine inorganic particles. Upon direct peritumoral injection of the hydrogel and with the treatment of 808 nm laser irradiation, tumors are eradicated and no recurrence is observed. Meanwhile, there are no side effects on normal tissues due to the local treatment. Taking advantage of the high phototherapeutic effect, biocompatibility, and flexible operability in this system, a novel approach for malignant tumor therapy is demonstrated.
Insights
A novel injectable hydrogel using DNA, upconversion, and gold nanoparticles creates a potent photothermal effect for tumor eradication. This advanced therapy eliminates tumors with no recurrence and minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Surgical tumor excision faces challenges with high recurrence rates.
- Near-infrared (NIR)-light photothermal therapy shows promise but has limited clinical efficacy.
- Developing effective and localized cancer treatments remains a critical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel injectable hydrogel for enhanced NIR-light-induced photothermal therapy.
- To create a DNA-mediated upconversion and gold nanoparticle hybrid (DNA-UCNP-Au) hydrogel.
- To improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce tumor recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a DNA-UCNP-Au hydrogel with concentrated NIR-responsive nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of the photothermal effect and efficiency of the hydrogel under NIR laser irradiation.
- In vivo testing of the hydrogel's efficacy in eradicating tumors via peritumoral injection and laser treatment.
Main Results:
- The DNA-UCNP-Au hydrogel exhibited an ultrastrong photothermal effect due to nanoparticle interaction.
- Achieved a high photothermal efficiency of 42.7% in the hydrogel, surpassing pristine nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated complete tumor eradication with no observed recurrence and no side effects on normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- The developed DNA-UCNP-Au hydrogel offers a highly effective photothermal therapy for malignant tumors.
- The injectable hydrogel system provides a localized, biocompatible, and efficient approach to cancer treatment.
- This novel material presents a promising strategy for overcoming limitations in current tumor therapies.
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