Abstract
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The design of simple and versatile synthetic routes to
accomplish
triggered-release properties in carriers is of particular interest
for drug delivery purposes. In this context, the programmability and
adaptability of DNA nanoarchitectures in combination with liposomes
have great potential to render biocompatible hybrid carriers for triggered
cargo release. We present an approach to form a DNA mesh on large
unilamellar liposomes incorporating a stimuli-responsive DNA building
block. Upon incubation with a single-stranded DNA trigger sequence,
a hairpin closes, and the DNA building block is allowed to self-contract.
We demonstrate the actuation of this building block by single-molecule
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence recovery
after photobleaching, and fluorescence quenching measurements. By
triggering this process, we demonstrate the elevated release of the
dye calcein from the DNA–liposome hybrid carriers. Interestingly,
the incubation of the doxorubicin-laden active hybrid carrier with
HEK293T cells suggests increased cytotoxicity relative to a control
carrier without the triggered-release mechanism. In the future, the
trigger could be provided by peritumoral nucleic acid sequences and
lead to site-selective release of encapsulated chemotherapeutics.
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