Intracellular artificial DNA receptor-loaded gelated cells for aflatoxin theranostics

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most common mycotoxins, which causes severe hepatic damage and even liver cancer. However, the development of specific tools for AFB1 diagnosis and detoxification remains elusive. Herein, we develop a DNA receptor-loaded gelated cell (DR-GC)-based adsorbent for specifically capturing and detecting AFB1, both in vitro and in vivo. In this system, fragile living cells are transformed into robust GCs using an intracellular hydrogel technique, and then loaded with aptamer-based artificial DNA receptors inside cells via a polymer-assisted strategy. These intracellular DNA receptors are excluded from a hostile environment, which exhibits high stability and retains their functionality even in complex biological media. Consequently, DR-GCs can be used to sensitively detect AFB1 and efficiently eliminate AFB1, both in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate the excellent therapeutic efficacy of DR-GCs using AFB1-treated male mouse models. Overall, this study is anticipated to offer useful solutions to the development of safe and effective tools for the diagnosis, elimination and treatment of mycotoxins.