Modular Design of Programmable Mechanofluorescent DNA Hydrogels

Remi Merindol, Giovanne Delechiave, Laura Heinen, Luiz Henrique Catalani and Andreas Walther ()
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Remi Merindol: University of Freiburg
Giovanne Delechiave: University of São Paulo
Laura Heinen: University of Freiburg
Luiz Henrique Catalani: University of São Paulo
Andreas Walther: University of Freiburg

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Mechanosensing systems are ubiquitous in nature and control many functions from cell spreading to wound healing. Biologic systems typically rely on supramolecular transformations and secondary reporter systems to sense weak forces. By contrast, synthetic mechanosensitive materials often use covalent transformations of chromophores, serving both as force sensor and reporter, which hinders orthogonal engineering of their sensitivity, response and modularity. Here, we introduce FRET-based, rationally tunable DNA tension probes into macroscopic 3D all-DNA hydrogels to prepare mechanofluorescent materials with programmable sacrificial bonds and stress relaxation. This design addresses current limitations of mechanochromic system by offering spatiotemporal resolution, as well as quantitative and modular force sensing in soft hydrogels. The programmable force probe design further grants temporal control over the recovery of the mechanofluorescence during stress relaxation, enabling reversible and irreversible strain sensing. We show proof-of-concept applications to study strain fields in composites and to visualize freezing-induced strain patterns in homogeneous hydrogels.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08428-2

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