Development of DNA Block Copolymer Based Complex Micelles for Nucleic Acids Encapsulation
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초록
내용
Nucleic acid encapsulation is a key challenge in DNA nanotechnology as it has great implications for gene delivery and therapy. Negatively charged nucleic acids can be encapsulated by cationic polymers, but excess polymers are required for colloidal stability. Herein, we aim to encapsulate target DNAs by utilizing DNA block copolymer through hybridization-driven complex micelle formation. The block copolymers consist of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are synthesized by solution-phase coupling reactions and then purified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The ssDNA blocks are designed to complement the ends of the target DNA strands. When block copolymers are combined with target DNAs, hybridization assists in forming complex micelles with a target DNA/ssDNA duplex core and PEG corona. The complex micelles showed decreased electrophoretic mobility and spherical morphology with an average 50 nm diameter.