This work highlights a multifunctional nanoscale material which can effectively compartmentalize small molecules and biomolecules into a single, micellar structure with programmable degradation properties resulting in highly controllable release properties. The nanomaterial consists of a ZIF-8 metal organic framework (MOF) encapsulated within a DNA surfactant micelle assembly, referred to as a nucleic acid nanocapsule (NAN). NANs have been demonstrated to enter cells through endocytosis and result in intracellular cargo release upon enzyme-triggered degradation. By combining the favorable properties of MOFs (large storage capacity) with those of NANs (triggerable release), we show diverse molecular cargo can be integrated into a single, highly programmable nanomaterial with controllable release profiles. The hybrid MOF–NANs exhibit double-gated regulation capabilities as evidenced by kinetic studies of encapsulated enzymes that indicate individual layers of the particle influence the overall enzymatic rate of turnover. The degradation of MOF–NANs can be controlled under multiple combined stimuli ( i.e. varying pH, enzymes), enabling selective release profiles in solutions representative of more complex biological systems. Lastly, the enhanced control over the release of small molecules, proteins and plasmids, is evaluated through a combination of cell culture and in vitro fluorescence assays, indicating the potential of MOF–NANs for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Tracking nucleic acid nanocapsule assembly, cellular uptake and disassembly using a novel fluorescently labeled surfactant
Intracellular trafficking and delivery of nucleic acids is an area of growing interest, particularly as it relates to therapeutic applications. Spectroscopic methods have been used to observe and quantitatively measure the delivery of oligonucleotides both in vitro and in vivo . Herein we demonstrate the use of a new fluorophore labeled surfactant presenting a solvatochromatic chromophore for tracking the assembly and degradation of a hybrid biomaterial we refer to as a nucleic acid nanocapsule (NAN). We show that the surfactant enables critical micelle concentration determination, monitoring of NAN disassembly in vitro , and the ability to track the cellular movement and activity of surfactant–oligonucleotide conjugates in cells when coupled with quantitative PCR analysis.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1847869
- PAR ID:
- 10252251
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- RSC Advances
- Volume:
- 10
- Issue:
- 69
- ISSN:
- 2046-2069
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 42349 to 42353
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA09472B
