Stimuli-Responsive DNA-Functionalized Nano-/Microcontainers for Switchable and Controlled Release

Stimuli-responsive DNA-functionalized nano-and microcontainers composed of mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (MP SiO2 NPs), microcapsules, or micelles/vesicles act as carriers for the transport and release of drugs. The information encoded in the DNA sequences provides instructive information for the gating of drug-loaded pores of MP SiO2 NPs, for the assembly and degradation of microcapsules or lipid-DNA micelles/vesicles, and for the targeting of nano-/microcontainers to cancer cells. Different triggers are applied to release the drugs loaded in the nano-/microcontainers by unlocking the pores of the MP SiO2 NPs or by degradation of the containers. These include the use of switchable DNA nanostructures (nucleic acid hairpins, i-motif, G-quadruplexes) and the implementation of chemical, thermal, or photonic stimuli. Also, catalytic processes stimulated by DNAzymes or enzymes are used to release drugs from the nano-/microcontainers.