Injectable DNA Hydrogel-Based Local Drug Delivery and Immunotherapy

Regulated drug delivery is an important direction in the field of medicine and healthcare research. In recent years, injectable hydrogels with good biocompatibility and biodegradability have attracted extensive attention due to their promising application in controlled drug release. Among them, DNA hydrogel has shown great potentials in local drug delivery and immunotherapy. DNA hydrogel is a three-dimensional network formed by cross-linking of hydrophilic DNA strands with extremely good biocompatibility. Benefiting from the special properties of DNA, including editable sequence and specificity of hybridization reactions, the mechanical properties and functions of DNA hydrogels can be precisely designed according to specific applications. In addition, other functional materials, including peptides, proteins and synthetic organic polymers can be easily integrated with DNA hydrogels, thereby enriching the functions of the hydrogels. In this review, we first summarize the types and synthesis methods of DNA hydrogels, and then review the recent research progress of injectable DNA hydrogels in local drug delivery, especially in immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the challenges facing DNA hydrogels and future development directions.

Automated summary

Regulated drug delivery is an important area of research in medicine and healthcare. Injectable hydrogels, particularly DNA hydrogels, have gained significant attention for their biocompatibility and biodegradability in controlled drug release and immunotherapy. DNA hydrogel, a three-dimensional network formed by linking hydrophilic DNA strands, offers precise design of mechanical properties and functions through its editable sequence and hybridization reactions. Additionally, integration with other functional materials enriches the capabilities of DNA hydrogels. This review provides an overview of DNA hydrogel types, synthesis methods, and recent research progress in local drug delivery and immunotherapy, as well as discusses challenges and future directions.