DNA Organogels Gaining Multifunctions from the Contribution of Molecular Design on Cross-Linker

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• DNA gels are recognized for their therapeutic and biomedical potential.
• Achieving high mechanical strength and stimuli responsiveness simultaneously in DNA gels remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a molecular design strategy for fabricating high-performance DNA gels.
• To create a DNA gel with enhanced mechanical properties, adhesion, and stimuli responsiveness for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized long sequenced DNA and a tetraphenylethene-containing surfactant for gel fabrication.
• Employed noncovalent interactions to establish a strong and flexible cross-linking network between DNA molecules.
• Characterized the gel's mechanical performance, adhesion, temperature tolerance, biosafety, and fluorescence properties.

Main Results:

• The fabricated DNA gel exhibited remarkable adhesion (7.58 ± 0.49 MPa), reaching the top level for high-performance DNA gels.
• The gel demonstrated broad adhesion to various materials and good temperature tolerance.
• The DNA gel showed good biosafety, promoted wound healing, and possessed inherent fluorescence for easy detection.

Conclusions:

• A molecular design strategy successfully yielded a robust DNA gel with a combination of high mechanical performance and stimuli responsiveness.
• The developed DNA gel shows significant potential for diverse biological and biomedical applications, particularly in wound healing.
• This work provides a pathway for designing advanced DNA materials with tailored physicochemical properties.