DNA Nanoshell Cell Encapsulation for Stress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cell encapsulation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fail to provide adequate protection against external stressors and lack control over encapsulation formation and removal, leading to material overload and cytotoxicity issues that can hinder cell viability.
Innovation Solution
A ruggedized particle or cell is created by anchoring a plurality of first nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures to a particle or cell, and cross-linking them with second nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures using nucleic acid staples to form a protective shell, which can be tuned for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional nanomaterials are used for cell encapsulation, then cell protection is provided, but material overload and cytotoxicity occur leading to reduced cell viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DNA nanotechnology to precisely control the physical and chemical parameters of the encapsulation shell, including pore size, mechanical strength, and compositional ratios. By programmatically adjusting these parameters at the molecular level, the shell provides adequate protection while avoiding material overload and cytotoxicity that plague conventional nanomaterials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite encapsulation shell combining DNA nanostructures with cellular components. This composite structure integrates the programmability and biocompatibility of DNA with the functional properties of cell membrane proteins and cytoskeletal elements, achieving both protection and cell viability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional encapsulation materials are used, then cell protection is achieved, but control over encapsulation formation and removal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The DNA-based encapsulation shell is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The shell can be programmed to assemble and disassemble in response to specific triggers such as pH changes, temperature shifts, or molecular key insertion. This dynamic behavior enables precise temporal and spatial control over encapsulation formation and removal, allowing the shell to be transient or permanent based on application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates environmental sensors within the DNA shell structure that can detect external conditions and trigger encapsulation formation or removal accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the shell to respond autonomously to environmental cues, providing adaptive control over the encapsulation state.
3Productivity
If the cell membrane is subjected to high forces during manipulation, then cell delivery is achieved, but membrane deformation occurs compromising cell integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The DNA shell is assembled on the cell surface before manipulation and delivery procedures. This pre-formed shell acts as a protective cushion that absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses during cell handling, preventing direct transmission of high forces to the cell membrane and thereby maintaining membrane integrity throughout the delivery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNA nanostructure shell is designed with flexible yet mechanically robust properties. The shell can deform elastically under stress to accommodate cell manipulation requirements, then return to its original state, providing both protection during high-force operations and maintaining cell integrity without rigid constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances cell protection and viability by providing a programmable and removable encapsulation that maintains cell integrity under stress conditions, enabling effective cell manipulation and tissue repair.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of second nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures cross-linking the plurality of first nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures by a plurality of nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog staples
Data Source
AI summary
Ruggedized particles or live cells are provided. The particles or cells comprise a cross-linked matrix of nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures forming a shell about the particle or cell. Methods of making and using the ruggedized particles or live cells are provided. The ruggedized particles or cells may be decorated with environmental sensors, for example, which are prepared from nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid analog nanostructures and may include a FRET pair.