Journal
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
Volume 27, Issue 1, Pages 22-39Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2015.1103590
Keywords
Biodegradation; click chemistry; hydrogel; DNA; nuclease-mediated degradation; stimuli-responsive biomaterials; protein release
Funding
- National Science Foundation Partnership in Research and Education in Materials (PREM) [DMR-1205670]
- Research Corporation for Science Advancement
- Texas Emerging Technology Fund
- Welch Foundation [AI-0045]
- Texas State University
- Direct For Mathematical & Physical Scien
- Division Of Materials Research [1205670] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Significant research has focused on investigating the potential of hydrogels in various applications and, in particular, in medicine. Specifically, hydrogels that are biodegradable lend promise to many therapeutic and biosensing applications. Endonucleases are critical for mechanisms of DNA repair. However, they are also known to be overexpressed in cancer and to be present in wounds with bacterial contamination. In this work, we set out to demonstrate the preparation of DNA-enabled hydrogels that could be degraded by nucleases. Specifically, hydrogels were prepared through the reaction of dibenzocyclooctyne-functionalized multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) with azide-functionalized single-stranded DNA in aqueous solutions via copper-free click chemistry. Through the use of this method, biodegradable hydrogels were formed at room temperature in buffered saline solutions that mimic physiological conditions, avoiding possible harmful effects associated with other polymerization techniques that can be detrimental to cells or other bioactive molecules. The degradation of these DNA-cross-linked hydrogels upon exposure to the model endonucleases Benzonase((R)) and DNase I was studied. In addition, the ability of the hydrogels to act as depots for encapsulation and nuclease-controlled release of a model protein was demonstrated. This model has the potential to be tailored and expanded upon for use in a variety of applications where mild hydrogel preparation techniques and controlled material degradation are necessary including in drug delivery and wound healing systems.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available