New Publication on Aptamer Patterning in Hydrogels

In this work, we integrated aptamers--single stranded DNA sequences, selected to interact with specific targets-- into norbornene-functionalized hydrogels. The aptamers were immobilized inside the gels using UV-initiated cross-linking. We interrogated different techniques for spatial control of aptamer immobilization, including photomasking, digital light processing, and 2-photon polymerization. We generated 3-D defined patterns inside of the gels, with feature sizes at sub-cellular dimensions, as well as multiplex two aptamers within the same gel. We envision that this work will be useful for creating modular biointerfaces, and more specifically the sensing, capture, or controlled release of biomarkers within biomaterials.

Congratulations to Kevin and Annina from our team for leading this amazing effort!

You can find the publication here: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/admi.202400986