Programmed pH-Responsive Microcapsules for the Controlled Release of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots

Wei Ching Liao, Marianna Riutin, Wolfgang J. Parak, Itamar Willner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two methods for the preparation of pH-responsive all-DNA microcapsules loaded with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are discussed. One approach involves the construction of DNA microcapsules composed of nucleic acid layers that include, at pH 7.2, "dormant" C-G·C+ triplex sequences. The formation of the C-G·C+ triplex structures at pH 5.0 leads to the cleavage of the microcapsules and to the release of the QDs. A second approach involves the synthesis of CdSe/ZnS QD-loaded DNA microcapsules, stabilized at pH 7.2 by T-A·T interlayer triplex bridges. The dissociation of the bridges at pH 9.0 separates the bridging triplex units, resulting in the degradation of the microcapsules and to the release of the QDs. The programmed pH-stimulated release of luminescent QDs, emitting at 620 and 560 nm, from the C-G·C+ or T-A·T triplex-responsive microcapsules is demonstrated by subjecting the QD-loaded microcapsule mixtures to pH 5.0 or pH 9.0, respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8683-8689
Number of pages7
JournalACS Nano
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 27 Sep 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 American Chemical Society.

Keywords

  • DNA
  • nanoparticle
  • nanotechnology
  • switch
  • triplex

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