DNA sequence–directed shape change of photopatterned hydrogels via high-degree swelling

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 357; no. 6356; pp. 1126 - 1130
• Main Authors: Cangialosi, Angelo, Yoon, ChangKyu, Liu, Jiayu, Huang, Qi, Guo, Jingkai, Nguyen, Thao D., Gracias, David H., Schulman, Rebecca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Association for the Advancement of Science 15.09.2017; The American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Subjects: Amplifiers; Chemical control; Chemical stimuli; Control programs; Coupling (molecular); Crosslinking; Cues; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA - chemistry; External stimuli; Gels; Gene sequencing; Hydrogels; Hydrogels - chemistry; Logic circuits; Nucleotide sequence; pH effects; Photochemical Processes; Photolithography; Stimuli; Strands; Temperature
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.aan3925

Shape-changing hydrogels that can bend, twist, or actuate in response to external stimuli are critical to soft robots, programmable matter, and smart medicine. Shape change in hydrogels has been induced by global cues, including temperature, light, or pH. Here we demonstrate that specific DNA molecules can induce 100-fold volumetric hydrogel expansion by successive extension of cross-links. We photopattern up to centimeter-sized gels containing multiple domains that undergo different shape changes in response to different DNA sequences. Experiments and simulations suggest a simple design rule for controlled shape change. Because DNA molecules can be coupled to molecular sensors, amplifiers, and logic circuits, this strategy introduces the possibility of building soft devices that respond to diverse biochemical inputs and autonomously implement chemical control programs.