Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
An Ultrahigh-throughput Microfluidic Platform for Single-cell Genome Sequencing
Published on: May 23, 2018
Capture and Storage of Cell-Free DNA via Bio-Informational Hydrogel Microspheres
Tao Ding1,2, Yongqiang Xiao3, Qimanguli Saiding1
1Department of Orthopaedics Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China.
Researchers developed a novel hydrogel microsphere system using polydopamine nanosheets to capture excess cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This strategy effectively reduces inflammation and promotes healing in diabetic wounds by targeting cfDNA signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Excess cell-free DNA (cfDNA) triggers chronic inflammation via nucleic acid sensors.
- Targeting cfDNA-mediated inflammatory signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetic wounds.
- Current challenges include effectively and specifically reducing cfDNA in pathological environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel biomaterial system for capturing and storing cfDNA.
- To investigate the potential of this system in alleviating chronic inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- To explore the interaction between cfDNA, inflammatory signaling, and biomaterials.
Main Methods:
- DNA-guided assembly of free-standing polydopamine nanosheets.
- Loading of polydopamine nanosheets into microfluidic hydrogel microspheres.
- Assessment of cfDNA binding, serum protein independence, and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) inhibition.
- Evaluation of inflammatory cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
- In vivo testing on a diabetic wound mouse model.
Main Results:
- Polydopamine nanosheets within hydrogel microspheres efficiently captured and stored cfDNA via π─π stacking and hydrogen bonding.
- The system demonstrated cfDNA binding independent of serum proteins.
- Specific inhibition of cfDNA-associated TLR9 activation was observed.
- Significant down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and ROS levels was achieved.
- The system showed chronic inflammation alleviation and pro-healing effects in diabetic wounds.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel microsphere system offers a new strategy for cfDNA capture and storage to modulate cell signaling transduction.
- This approach effectively reduces inflammation and promotes healing in diabetic wound models.
- The study provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms between inflammatory mediators and biomaterials in disease.
