Current drug delivery systems struggle to achieve precise control, rapid response, and high biocompatibility. Addressing these challenges, we developed an electrothermally responsive biohybrid hydrogel incorporating DNA-functionalized nanostructures for on-demand payload release. Unlike conventional platforms relying on passive diffusion or biochemical triggers, our system utilizes electrical stimulation to produce localized heating that simultaneously alters DNA conformation and hydrogel structure. This dual mechanism enables rapid electrically controlled release within seconds while preserving excellent biocompatibility. The modular DNA design permits easy customization through sequence modifications, enabling flexible adaptation for diverse therapeutic applications, including precision oncology, neural regulation, and chronic wound healing.
Sun et al. (Thu,) studied this question.