Programmable polymer-DNA hydrogels with dual input and multiscale responses

Abstract

Combination switchable polymer-DNA hydrogels have been synthesized to respond to both a specific oligonucleotide recognition signal and a non-specific but biorelevant environmental trigger. The hydrogels exhibit rheological properties that can be modulated through interaction with complementary DNA strands and/or reduction. Furthermore, individual and combined oligonucleotide recognition and reduction responses allow control over pore sizes in the gel, enabling programmable release and transport of objects ranging from the nano- to micro-scale. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry.