Magnetic activation of spherical nucleic acids enables the remote control of synthetic cells.

ABSTRACT: The flexible and modular design of synthetic cells, comprising lipid vesicles capable of imitating the structure and function of living cells, facilitates their application as drug delivery devices. The ability to control the synthesis of biomolecules within synthetic cells using a tissue-penetrating stimulus opens up additional levels of functionality that has the potential to improve biological potency and circumvent drug leakage from preloaded vesicles. To this end, we have designed spherical nucleic acids comprising DNA promoter sequences decorating magnetic nanoparticle cores. These spherical nucleic acids allowed us to harness the heat dissipated from magnetic hyperthermia (a clinically approved anticancer therapy) to regulate cell-free protein synthesis and release cargo on demand.

SUBMITTER: Parkes E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12491065 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature