Dynamic Multicomponent Reactions-Directed Self-Assembled G-quadruplex Inherent Antibacterial Hydrogel

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Infectious bacteria pose a significant threat, driving demand for novel antibacterial materials.
• Hydrogels offer versatile platforms for biomedical applications due to their tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, self-healable, dynamic G-quadruplex hydrogel with inherent antibacterial activity.
• To investigate the formation mechanism and properties of the G-quadruplex hydrogel.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's potential for drug delivery and antibacterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Multicomponent reactions (MCR) involving guanosine, 2-formylphenylboronic acid, and amino acid/peptides.
• Characterization using thioflavin T binding assay, CD spectroscopy, PXRD, VT-NMR, FT-IR, HR-TEM, and rheological experiments.
• Assessment of antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• Evaluation of doxorubicin drug release kinetics at various pH and temperatures.

Main Results:

• Successful construction of a dynamic, self-assembled G-quadruplex hydrogel via MCR.
• Confirmation of G-quadruplex formation through π-π stacking of G-quartets.
• Demonstration of injectability and self-healability due to dynamic imino-boronate ester bonds.
• Significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains.
• Sustained release of doxorubicin over 48 hours at different pH and temperatures.

Conclusions:

• The developed G-quadruplex hydrogel exhibits promising injectable, self-healable, and antibacterial properties.
• The dynamic nature of the hydrogel facilitates its unique characteristics.
• The hydrogel serves as an effective platform for sustained drug delivery.
• This advanced hydrogel holds potential for diverse biomedical applications, including infection control and targeted therapy.