Programmable CRISPR-responsive smart materials
Abstract
CRISPR technology is best known as a gene editing tool. English et al. developed a group of stimuli-responsive hydrogels to respond to the programmable nuclease Cas12a (see the Perspective by Han et al. ). The materials undergo molecular to macroscopic changes after Cas12a-dependent cleavage of double- or single-stranded DNA integrated into the gel. The authors show controlled release of particles linked to or imprisoned within the DNA, degradation of a gel with DNA solely forming the cross-links, and permeabilization of a gel with DNA partially forming the cross-links. These tools allow for the production of materials that release encapsulated nanoparticles and cells, act as degradable fuses, and enable remote radio-frequency identification signaling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Aug 23, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aaw5122
Entities
People
- Angelo S Mao
- Helena de Puig
- James J. Collins
- Luis R. Soenksen
- Max A English
- Nicolaas M Angenent-Mari
- Peter Q Nguyen
- Raphael V Gayet
Organizations
- Broad Institute
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Paul G. Allen Family Foundation
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering