Dual-functional DNA nanogels for anticancer drug delivery

A pH-Responsive Dendritic-DNA-Based Nanohydrogel for Dual Drug Delivery

The rational design of multifunctional drug delivery systems capable of achieving precise drug release remains a huge challenge. Herein, we designed a stimuli-responsive dendritic-DNA-based nanohydrogel as a nanocarrier to achieve the co-delivery of doxorubicin and HMGN5 mRNA-targeting antisense oligonucleotides, thus achieving dual therapeutic effects. The nanocarrier, constructed from dendritic DNA with three crosslinking branches and one loading branch, formed biocompatible and programmable DNA nanohydrogels. The C-rich sequences in the crosslinking branches conferred pH sensitivity, while the loading strand enabled efficient incorporation of a shielding DNA/ASO complex. DOX encapsulation yielded a chemo-gene co-delivery platform. Upon cellular uptake by cancer cells, the nanocarrier disassembled in the acidic tumor microenvironment, releasing DOX for chemotherapy and ASOs via toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) for targeted gene silencing. Cellular studies demonstrated significantly enhanced cancer cell inhibition compared to single-agent treatments, highlighting strong combined effects. This study provides a novel strategy for tumor-microenvironment-responsive co-delivery, enabling precise, on-demand release of therapeutic agents to enhance combined chemo-gene therapy.

Progress of AI assisted synthesis of polysaccharides-based hydrogel and their applications in biomedical field

Polymeric hydrogels, characterized by their highly hydrophilic three-dimensional network structures, boast exceptional physical and chemical properties alongside high biocompatibility and biodegradability. These attributes make them indispensable in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressings and sensor technologies. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogels are undergoing significant transformations in design, leveraging human-machine interaction, machine learning, neural networks, and 3D/4D printing technology. This article provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of polysaccharide-based hydrogels, exploring their intrinsic properties, functionalities, preparation techniques, and classifications, alongside their progress in biomedical research. Special emphasis is placed on AI-enhanced hydrogels, underscoring their transformative potential in redefining hydrogel performance and functionality. By integrating AI technologies, these intelligent hydrogels open unprecedented opportunities in precision medicine, adaptive biomaterials, and smart healthcare systems, highlighting promising directions for future research.

Breast Tumor Diagnosis Based on Molecular Learning Vector Quantization Neural Networks

DNA nanotechnology plays a crucial role in precise cancer medicine. Currently, molecular logic circuits are applied to detect tumor-specific biomarkers and control the release of therapeutic drugs. However, these systems lack self-learning capabilities for intelligent diagnostics in biological samples, and their data processing capabilities are limited. Here, a molecular learning vector quantization neural network (LVQNN) model based on DNA strand displacement (DSD) technology for breast tumor diagnosis is developed. Compared to previous work, the molecular LVQNN boasts powerful computing abilities, handling high-dimensional data for intelligent cancer diagnosis. To verify the feasibility and versatility of the network, two distinct typical datasets are selected: one from a single source with cell morphology data from 569 cases, and a more extensive one spanning different populations and ages, with miRNA gene expression data from 1881 cases. By using the molecular LVQNN, diagnostic experiments are conducted on 50 and 120 public individuals from these two datasets, respectively, achieving accuracy rates of 94% and 97.5%. This study demonstrates that the LVQNN model exhibits significant advantages in breast cancer diagnosis and enhances diagnostic accuracy while introducing new approaches for intelligent cancer diagnosis, anticipated to bring significant breakthroughs and application prospects to precise cancer medicine.

Self-assembly of DNA G-quadruplex nanowires: a study of the mechanism towards micrometer length

The G-quadruplex (GQ) formed by guanine-rich DNA strands exhibits superior thermal stability and electric properties, which have generated substantial interest in applying GQ DNA to bioelectric interfaces. However, single G-wires formed by GQs have not yet surpassed the μm length due to the lack of an optimal assembly protocol and understanding of assembly mechanisms that limit application. Herein, we optimized a self-assembly protocol for a short 4-nt oligonucleotide (dG4) to achieve micrometer lengths of G-wires, including the buffer composition, incubation process and surface assembly. Furthermore, both theoretical modeling and chemical modifications were applied to unveil the atomic-level detail of GQ monomer interfaces and indicated that the assembly process follows a stepwise mechanism from nucleation to grow into oligomers and nanowires.

DNA hydrogels and their derivatives in biomedical engineering applications

Deoxyribonucleotide (DNA) is uniquely programmable and biocompatible, and exhibits unique appeal as a biomaterial as it can be precisely designed and programmed to construct arbitrary shapes. DNA hydrogels are polymer networks comprising cross-linked DNA strands. As DNA hydrogels present programmability, biocompatibility, and stimulus responsiveness, they are extensively explored in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we provide an overview of recent advancements in DNA hydrogel technology. We outline the different design philosophies and methods of DNA hydrogel preparation, discuss its special physicochemical characteristics, and highlight the various uses of DNA hydrogels in biomedical domains, such as drug delivery, biosensing, tissue engineering, and cell culture. Finally, we discuss the current difficulties facing DNA hydrogels and their potential future development.

DNA response element-based smart drug delivery systems for precise drug release

Smart drug delivery systems (DDSs) that respond to, interact with, or are actuated by biological signals or pathological abnormalities (e.g., the tumor microenvironment) for controllable drug release are appealing therapeutic platforms for cancer treatment. Owing to their inherent self-assembled nature, nucleic acids have emerged as programmable materials for the development of multifunctional structures. In response to external environmental stimuli, DNA response elements can serve as switches to trigger conformational changes in DNA structures. Their stimulus-responsive properties make them promising candidates for constructing smart DDSs, and advancements in DNA response element-based DDSs in the field of biomedicine have been made. This review summarizes different types of DNA response elements, including DNA aptamers, DNAzymes, disulfide bond-modified DNA, pH-responsive DNA motifs, and photocleavable DNA building blocks, and highlights the advancements in DNA response element-based smart DDSs for precise drug release. Finally, future challenges and perspectives in this field are discussed.

Supramolecular DNA nanogels through host-guest interaction for targeted drug delivery

DNA hydrogels have been demonstrated with the advantages of good stability, easy modification, and extraordinary biocompatibility, which enables their great application prospects in biosensing, tissue engineering, and biomedicine. Based on the host-guest recognition properties of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), we proposed a general method for constructing functional supramolecular DNA nanogels. Guest molecules have been conjugated into the DNA building units, which could be further crosslinked with CB[8] to construct supramolecular DNA nanogels. At the same time, the aptamer has also been modified into the hydrogel network to achieve cell targeting. These supramolecular DNA nanogels have been demonstrated with a controllable size and multiple stimuli responses, in addition to the excellent biocompatibility, stability and good targeting drug transport ability. Such a host-guest based strategy will provide a molecular library as a "toolbox" for the functionalization of DNA nanogels.

A review of DNA nanoparticles-encapsulated drug/gene/protein for advanced controlled drug release: Current status and future perspective over emerging therapy approaches

In the last ten years, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant progress in creating novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). An effective strategy involves employing DNA nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers to encapsulate drugs, genes, or proteins, facilitating regulated drug release. This abstract examines the utilization of DNA NPs and their potential applications in strategies for controlled drug release. Researchers have utilized the distinctive characteristics of DNA molecules, including their ability to self-assemble and their compatibility with living organisms, to create NPs specifically for the purpose of delivering drugs. The DNA NPs possess numerous benefits compared to conventional drug carriers, such as exceptional stability, adjustable dimensions and structure, and convenient customization. Researchers have successfully achieved a highly efficient encapsulation of different therapeutic agents by carefully designing their structure and composition. This advancement enables precise and targeted delivery of drugs. The incorporation of drugs, genes, or proteins into DNA NPs provides notable advantages in terms of augmenting therapeutic effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. DNA NPs serve as a protective barrier for the enclosed payloads, preventing their degradation and extending their duration in the body. The protective effect is especially vital for delicate biologics, such as proteins or gene-based therapies that could otherwise be vulnerable to enzymatic degradation or quick elimination. Moreover, the surface of DNA NPs can be altered to facilitate specific targeting towards particular tissues or cells, thereby augmenting the accuracy of delivery. A significant benefit of DNA NPs is their capacity to regulate the kinetics of drug release. Through the manipulation of the DNA NPs structure, scientists can regulate the rate at which the enclosed cargo is released, enabling a prolonged and regulated dispensation of medication. This control is crucial for medications with limited therapeutic ranges or those necessitating uninterrupted administration to attain optimal therapeutic results. In addition, DNA NPs have the ability to react to external factors, including alterations in temperature, pH, or light, which can initiate the release of the payload at precise locations or moments. This feature enhances the precision of drug release control. The potential uses of DNA NPs in the controlled release of medicines are extensive. The NPs have the ability to transport various therapeutic substances, for example, drugs, peptides, NAs (NAs), and proteins. They exhibit potential for the therapeutic management of diverse ailments, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. In addition, DNA NPs can be employed for targeted drug delivery, traversing biological barriers, and surpassing the constraints of conventional drug administration methods.

Oligonucleotide based nanogels for cancer therapeutics

Oligonucleotide-based nanogels, as nascent biomaterials, possess several unique functional, structural, and physicochemical features with excellent drug-loading capacity and high potential for cancer gene therapy. Ongoing studies utilizing oligonucleotide-based nanogels hold great promise, as these cutting-edge nanoplatforms can be elegantly developed with predesigned oligonucleotide sequences and complementary strands which are self-assembled or chemically crosslinked leading to the development of nanogels with predictable shape and tunable size with the desired functional properties. Current paper provides a summary of the properties, preparation methods, and applications of oligonucleotide-based nanogels in cancer therapy. The review is focused on both conventional and modified forms of oligonucleotide-based nanogels, including targeted nanogels, smart release nanogels (responsive to stimuli such as pH, temperature, and enzymes), as well as nanogels used for gene delivery. Their application in cancer immunotherapy and vaccination, photodynamic therapy, and diagnostic applications when combined with other nanoparticles is further discussed. Despite emerging designs in the development of oligonucleotide based nanogels, this field of study is still in its infancy, and clinical translation of these versatile nano-vehicles might face challenges. Hence, extensive research must be performed on in vivo behavior of such platforms determining their biodistribution, biological fate, and acute/subacute toxicity.