Affiliation:
1. Research Center for Analytical Sciences Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition College of Chemistry Nankai University 30071 Tianjin P. R. China
Abstract
AbstractDue to their sequence‐directed functions and excellent biocompatibility, smart DNA microgels have attracted considerable research interest, and the combination of DNA microgels with functional nanostructures can further expand their applications in biosensing and biomedicine. Gallium‐based liquid metals (LMs) exhibiting both fluidic and metallic properties hold great promise for the development of smart soft materials; in particular, LM particles upon sonication can mediate radical‐initiated polymerization reactions, thus allowing the combination of LMs and polymeric matrix to construct “soft–soft” materials. Herein, by forming active surfaces under sonication, LM nanoparticles (LM NPs) initiated localized radical polymerization reactions allow the combination of functional DNA units and different polymeric backbones to yield multifunctional core/shell microgels. The localized polymerization reaction allows fine control of the microgel compositions, and smart DNA microgels with tunable catalytic activities can be constructed. Moreover, due to the excellent photothermal effect of LM NPs, the resulting temperature gradient between microgels and surrounding solution upon NIR light irradiation can drive the oriented locomotion of the microgels, and remote control of the activity of these smart microgels can be achieved. These microgels may hold promise for various applications, such as the development of in vivo and in vitro biosensing and drug delivery systems.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities