Adenosine Triphosphate-Triggered Release of Macromolecular and Nanoparticle Loads from Aptamer/DNA-Cross-Linked Microcapsules

The synthesis of stimuli-responsive DNA microcapsules acting as carriers for different payloads, and being dissociated through the formation of aptamer ligand complexes is described. Specifically, stimuli-responsive anti-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer-cross-linked DNA-stabilized microcapsules loaded with tetramethylrhodamine-modified dextran (TMR-D), CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), or microperoxidase-11 (MP-11) are presented. In the presence of ATP as trigger, the microcapsules are dissociated through the formation of aptamer ATP complexes, resulting in the release of the respective loads. Selective unlocking of the capsules is demonstrated, and CTP, GTP, or TIP do not unlock the pores. The ATP-triggered release of MP-11 from the microcapsules enables the MP-11-catalyzed oxidation of Amplex UltraRed by H2O2 to the fluorescent product resorufin.