Functional DNA Based Hydrogels: Development, Properties and Biological Applications

DNA-based nanostructures have emerged as a versatile component for nanoscale construction of soft materials. Multiple structural, functional properties and versatility in conjugation with other biomolecules made DNA the material of choice to use in various biomedical applications. DNA-based hydrogels significantly attracted attention in recent years owing to their properties and applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutics. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the area of DNA hydrogels where these are used either as structural material or as functional entities to make hybrid constructs with various biomedical applications. Multiple synthetic routes for constructing DNA hydrogels are summarized first, where the structural motifs and spatial arrangements are considered for the classification of DNA materials. We then present the characterization and properties of DNA hydrogels using multiple imaging and biophysical techniques. Further, different biomedical applications of DNA hydrogels are presented such as biosensing, bioimaging, and targeted drug delivery and as scaffolds to program cellular systems. Last, we discuss the vision and potential of DNA based hydrogels as an emerging class of therapeutically important devices for theragnostic and other biological applications.