Synergistic Protein-reinforced DNA Hydrogels with Tunable Biomechanics for Mechanoresponsive Drug Release

Key Points

• This research investigates the mechanical properties and drug delivery capabilities of protein-reinforced DNA hydrogels.
• Developed DNA hydrogels reinforced with proteins to enhance mechanical properties.
• Tested the mechanoresponsive drug release capabilities under varying loads.
• Conducted comparative analysis of drug release rates in different hydrogel formulations.
• Enhanced mechanical robustness observed with protein reinforcement, improving load-bearing capacity.
• Mechanoresponsive drug release demonstrated a significant increase using reinforced hydrogels, p<0.05.
• Tunable biomechanics correlated with controlled drug release rates depending on the applied force.