TARGET-RESPONSIVE HYDROGELS

摘要

The subject invention provides methods for fast and easy engineering of target-responsive hydrogels based on aptamers. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogels contain rationally-designed DNA aptamers as a cross-linker. Specifically exemplified herein is a system wherein competitive binding of a target to the aptamer causes a decrease of cross-linking density and, therefore, dissolution of the hydrogel for potential drug release and other applications.