Physically Crosslinked “All Nucleic” Biomass DNA Hydrogel for Controlled Drug Delivery

Naturally occurring liquid-liquid phase separation resulting in biomolecular condensates has inspired the formation of biomolecule based smart materials with multi-dimensional applications. Herein, we report a unique, simple and one step method for the bio-condensation of biomass DNA via non-electrostatic interactions leading to an “all nucleic” hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties. The DNA strands crosslinked with guanosine monophosphate molecules through physical interactions to form helical G-quartet superstructures. The hydrogel shows an efficient encapsulation and sustained release for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs demonstrating the competency as a drug carrier. We believe that this energy efficient and low-cost method represents a new technique for the use of biomass DNA as building blocks for next generation of soft materials.