Programmable CRISPR-responsive smart materials

作者：Max A. English, Luis R. Soenksen, Raphaël V. Gayet, Helena de Puig, Nicolaas M. Angenent-Mari, Angelo S. Mao, Peter Q. Nguyen, James J. Collins · 发表于：Science · 年份：2019 · DOI：10.1126/science.aaw5122 · 被引用次数：362 · 研究领域：Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques、Advanced Memory and Neural Computing、CRISPR and Genetic Engineering

Stimuli-responsive materials activated by biological signals play an increasingly important role in biotechnology applications. We exploit the programmability of CRISPR-associated nucleases to actuate hydrogels containing DNA as a structural element or as an anchor for pendant groups. After activation by guide RNA-defined inputs, Cas12a cleaves DNA in the gels, thereby converting biological information into changes in material properties. We report four applications: (i) branched poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels releasing DNA-anchored compounds, (ii) degradable polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogels encapsulating nanoparticles and live cells, (iii) conductive carbon-black-DNA hydrogels acting as degradable electrical fuses, and (iv) a polyacrylamide-DNA hydrogel operating as a fluidic valve with an electrical readout for remote signaling. These materials allow for a range of in vitro applications in tissue engineering, bioelectronics, and diagnostics.