Programmable DNA switch for bioresponsive controlled release

Abstract

A bioresponsive controlled release system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MS) was designed and constructed. Through the DNAa/DANb assembly, DNAb-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs-DNAb) could be attached to the pores of MS covalently functionalized with DNAa. In the presence of adenosine, the pores of MS could be opened and the encapsulated guest was released, due to the interaction between DNAb and adenosine. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to confirm the switching mechanism. Furthermore, the carry system was exclusively responsive to adenosine, and the process was dependent on the concentration of adenosine, which made the system promising for target-directing controlled release.