Aptamer functionalized DNA hydrogels: Design, applications and kinetics

DNA hydrogels have received considerable attention in various promising applications due to their excellent biocompatibility, controlled biodegradability, adjustable mechanical properties, stability against proteases, self-healing ability, and stimuli responsiveness. To obtain the specific molecular recognition capability, aptamers and many other functional motifs are utilized. Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA selected through SELEX to bind with specific target with high affinity and specificity. With advantages of broad range of targets, good stability, easy modification, and low cost, aptamer functionalized DNA hydrogels become popular in a wide range of promising applications. In this review, the recent progress on aptamer functionalized DNA hydrogels including general design principles, applications and kinetics has been summarized. Finally, the current challenges and prospects are discussed.