Engineering Programmable DNA Particles and Capsules Using Catechol-Functionalized DNA Block Copolymers

摘要

DNA block copolymer(DBC) assemblies have attracted attention because of their tunable properties(e.g.,programmability,high biocompatibility,efficient cellular uptake,and stability against enzymatic degradation);however,controlling the size of DNA block copolymer assemblies and preparing well-defined DNA-functionalized particle systems are challenging.Herein,we report the preparation of DBC-based particles and capsules with different sizes(i.e.,from approximately 0.15 to 3.2 μm) and a narrow size distribution(i.e.,polydispersity index40 permeability decrease for 2000 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran compared with untreated capsules).The DBC-Fe MPN particles show efficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape capability,allowing the efficient delivery of small-interfering RNA for gene silencing(89 downregulation).The reported approach provides the rational design of a range of DNA-functionalized particles,which can potentially be applied in materials science and biomedical applications.