Adenosine Triphosphate-Triggered Release of Macromolecular and Nanoparticle Loads from Aptamer/DNA-Cross-Linked Microcapsules

The synthesis of stimuli-responsive DNA microcapsules acting as carriers for different payloads, and being dissociated through the formation of aptamer-ligand complexes is described. Specifically, stimuli-responsive anti-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer-cross-linked DNA-stabilized microcapsules loaded with tetramethylrhodamine-modified dextran (TMR-D), CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), or microperoxidase-11 (MP-11) are presented. In the presence of ATP as trigger, the microcapsules are dissociated through the formation of aptamer-ATP complexes, resulting in the release of the respective loads. Selective unlocking of the capsules is demonstrated, and CTP, GTP, or TTP do not unlock the pores. The ATP-triggered release of MP-11 from the microcapsules enables the MP-11-catalyzed oxidation of Amplex UltraRed by H2O2 to the fluorescent product resorufin.