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Nanozyme-Triggered DNA Release from Alginate Films
Daniel Massana Roquero1, Paolo Bollella1, Artem Melman1
1Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 13, 2022
Summary
This study developed a novel alginate hydrogel system for controlled DNA release. Gold nanoparticles act as nanozymes, using a glucose signal to trigger DNA release via hydrogen peroxide production and hydrogel degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Alginate hydrogels are widely used for biomolecule encapsulation.
- Uncontrolled leakage of biomolecules from alginate hydrogels remains a challenge.
- Nanozymes offer catalytic functions for controlled release applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a signal-triggered system for controlled DNA release from alginate hydrogels.
- To utilize gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as nanozymes to initiate hydrogel degradation.
- To investigate the mechanism of glucose-responsive DNA release.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical production of alginate hydrogel thin films.
- Incorporation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as nanozymes.
- Utilizing glucose oxidase-mimicking activity of Au NPs to produce H2O2.
- Fenton-type reaction with Fe3+ to generate free radicals for hydrogel degradation.
- Monitoring DNA release triggered by glucose signal.
Main Results:
- Au NPs catalyzed glucose oxidation, producing H2O2.
- H2O2 initiated a Fenton-type reaction, degrading the alginate matrix.
- Degradation of the hydrogel led to the release of entrapped DNA molecules.
- Demonstrated signal-triggered DNA release in various system configurations.
- Successfully addressed uncontrolled DNA leakage issues.
Conclusions:
- Developed a glucose-responsive alginate hydrogel system for controlled DNA release.
- Nanozyme-mediated hydrogel degradation provides a mechanism for triggered biomolecule release.
- This approach enhances the functionality of nanozymes in smart biomaterial systems.

