Aptamer-Functionalized Micro- and Nanocarriers for Controlled Release

Sequence-specific nucleic acids recognizing low-molecular-weight ligands or macromolecules (aptamers) have found growing interest for biomedical applications. The present review article summarizes recent applications of aptamers as stimuli-responsive gating units of drug (or dye)-loaded nano- or microcarriers for controlled and targeted drug release. In the presence of cellular biomarkers, the nano-/microcarriers are unlocked by forming aptamer-ligand complexes. Different aptamer-functinalized nano-/microcarriers are presented, including inorganic nanomaterials, metal-organic framework nanoparticles, and soft materials. The chemistries associated with the preparation of the carriers and the mechanisms to unlock the carriers are discussed. Stimuli-responsive gated drug-loaded micro-/nanocarriers hold great promise as functional sense-and-treat materials for the targeted and selective release of drugs.

Automated summary

Nucleic acids recognizing specific sequences are used as gating units in nano- or microcarriers to control and target drug release based on the presence of cellular biomarkers. Different types of aptamer-functionalized carriers, including inorganic materials, metal-organic framework nanoparticles, and soft materials, are discussed. Stimuli-responsive gated drug-loaded carriers are promising for targeted and selective drug release.