Chromatin inspired bio-condensation between biomass DNA and guanosine monophosphate produces all-nucleic hydrogel as a hydrotropic drug carrier
Abstract The integration of biomolecules into supramolecular nanostructures forms the basis of the natural world. Naturally occurring liquid-liquid phase separation resulting in biomolecular condensates has inspired the formation of biomolecule-based smart materials with multi-dimensional applicatio...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Communications Chemistry |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-024-01353-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The integration of biomolecules into supramolecular nanostructures forms the basis of the natural world. Naturally occurring liquid-liquid phase separation resulting in biomolecular condensates has inspired the formation of biomolecule-based smart materials with multi-dimensional applications. A non-covalent bio-condensation between biomass DNA and guanosine monophosphate (GMP) has been described, mimicking chromatin folding and creating a unique “all-nucleic” DNA-GMP condensates. These condensates initiate the formation of G-quadruplex-based superstructures, assembling into super-helical fibres driven by synergistic hydrogen bonding and stacking, which have been thoroughly investigated. This simple, one-step method for the bio-condensation of biomass DNA leads to an “all-nucleic” hydrogel with higher-order self-assembly and excellent mechanical properties. While most of the reported DNA based biomaterials, including hydrogels, require precisely sequenced and molecularly architectured DNA building blocks, we have developed a simple, universal, and facile bio-condensation method that utilizes biomass DNA acquired from any bio-resource to fabricate DNA hydrogels. The hydrogel efficiently encapsulates and sustains the release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, demonstrating its competency as a drug carrier. We believe this energy-efficient and low-cost method represents a new technique for using biomass DNA as building blocks for the next generation of soft materials. |
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| ISSN: | 2399-3669 |