Stimuli‐Responsive DNA‐Functionalized Nano‐/Microcontainers for Switchable and Controlled Release

Abstract Stimuli‐responsive DNA‐functionalized nano‐ and microcontainers composed of mesoporous SiO 2 nanoparticles (MP SiO 2 NPs), microcapsules, or micelles/vesicles act as carriers for the transport and release of drugs. The information encoded in the DNA sequences provides instructive information for the gating of drug‐loaded pores of MP SiO 2 NPs, for the assembly and degradation of microcapsules or lipid–DNA micelles/vesicles, and for the targeting of nano‐/microcontainers to cancer cells. Different triggers are applied to release the drugs loaded in the nano‐/microcontainers by unlocking the pores of the MP SiO 2 NPs or by degradation of the containers. These include the use of switchable DNA nanostructures (nucleic acid hairpins, i‐motif, G‐quadruplexes) and the implementation of chemical, thermal, or photonic stimuli. Also, catalytic processes stimulated by DNAzymes or enzymes are used to release drugs from the nano‐/microcontainers.