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Tang X, Zhao S, Luo J, Wang B, Wu X, Deng R, Chang K, Chen M. Smart Stimuli-Responsive Spherical Nucleic Acids: Cutting-Edge Platforms for Biosensing, Bioimaging, and Therapeutics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310732. [PMID: 38299771 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with exceptional colloidal stability, multiple modularity, and programmability are excellent candidates to address common molecular delivery-related issues. Based on this, the higher targeting accuracy and enhanced controllability of stimuli-responsive SNAs render them precise nanoplatforms with inestimable prospects for diverse biomedical applications. Therefore, tailored diagnosis and treatment with stimuli-responsive SNAs may be a robust strategy to break through the bottlenecks associated with traditional nanocarriers. Various stimuli-responsive SNAs are engineered through the incorporation of multifunctional modifications to meet biomedical demands with the development of nucleic acid functionalization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of prominent research in this area and recent advancements in the utilization of stimuli-responsive SNAs in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutics. For each aspect, SNA nanoplatforms that exhibit responsive behavior to both internal stimuli (including sequence, enzyme, redox reactions, and pH) and external stimuli (such as light and temperature) are highlighted. This review is expected to offer inspiration and guidance strategies for the rational design and development of stimuli-responsive SNAs in the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Binpan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xianlan Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ruijia Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kai Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
- College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), 30 Gaotanyan, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
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Wang W, Li C, Luo S, Wu ZS. Spherical Nucleic Acid-Mediated Spatial Matching-Guided Nonenzymatic DNA Circuits for the Prediction and Prevention of Malignant Tumor Invasion. Anal Chem 2024; 96:7091-7100. [PMID: 38663871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Detection of intracellular miRNAs, especially sensitive imaging of in vivo miRNAs, is vital to the precise prediction and timely prevention of tumorgenesis but remains a technical challenge in terms of nuclease resistance and signal amplification. Here, we demonstrate a gold nanoparticle-based spherical nucleic acid-mediated spatial matching-guided nonenzymatic DNA circuit (SSDC) for efficient screening of intracellular miRNAs and, in turn, finding cancerous tissues in living organisms before the appearance of clinical symptoms. Due to the substantially enhanced nuclease resistance, the false positive signal is avoided even in a complex biological medium. Target miRNA can straighten out the hairpin DNA probe to be linear, allowing the probe to penetrate into the internal region of a core/shell DNA-functionalized signal nanoampfilier and initiate a strand displacement reaction, generating an amplified fluorescence signal. The detection limit is as low as 17 pM, and miRNA imaging is in good accordance with the gold standard polymerase chain reaction method. The ability to image intracellular miRNAs is substantially superior to that of conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques, making in vivo SSDC-based imaging competent for the precise prediction of tumorigenesis. By intratumoral chemotherapy guided by SSDC-based imaging, tumorigenesis and progression are efficiently controlled before the onset of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
- College of Chemistry and Food Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang 330032, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Shasha Luo
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Zai-Sheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
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3
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Yao F, Wei P, Ma L, Zhang S. An anti-GD2 aptamer-based bifunctional spherical nucleic acid nanoplatform for synergistic therapy targeting MDM2 for retinoblastoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116437. [PMID: 38522240 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a type of pediatric solid tumor in the fundus. The lack of precision therapies combined with the difficulty of delivering small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the eyes means that there is currently no nucleic acid-based therapy for RB in clinical practice. Here, we reported on anti-GD2 and glutathione-responsive spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), loaded with siRNA and the inhibitor NVP-CGM097, which jointly blocked the oncogenic factor n in RB cells (Y79 and WERI-RB-1). The SNAs were formed through the self-assembly of bifunctional cholesterol amphiphiles containing aptamers that specifically targeted GD2-positive RB cells, allowing for the formation of an SNA with a dense DNA shell. The aptamer/siRNA component functioned both as a carrier and a payload, enhancing the specific recognition and delivery of both components and constituting an active agent for MDM2 regulation. Following SNA endocytosis by RB cells, siRNA and NVP-CGM097 were released from the SNA particles by glutathione, which synergistically blocked the MDM2-p53 pathway, increasing p53 protein content and inducing cell apoptosis. This study showed a potent antitumor effect following intravitreal injection of SNAs in Y79 tumor-bearing mice through clinical manifestation and tumor pathological analysis. In hematological analysis and hepatotoxicity assays, SNAs were safer for mice than melphalan, the favored drug for treating RB in clinical practice. Our results illustrated the potential of intravitreally injected SNAs as a precision medicine for treating RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangqiao Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Fei Yao
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Pengxue Wei
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Lan Ma
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangqiao Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Shaochong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, 18 Zetian Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China.
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Tao Z, Zhang H, Wu S, Zhang J, Cheng Y, Lei L, Qin Y, Wei H, Yu CY. Spherical nucleic acids: emerging amplifiers for therapeutic nanoplatforms. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4392-4406. [PMID: 38289178 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05971e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is a revolutionary treatment approach in the 21st century, offering significant potential for disease prevention and treatment. However, the efficacy of gene delivery is often compromised by the inherent challenges of gene properties and vector-related defects. It is crucial to explore ways to enhance the curative effect of gene drugs and achieve safer, more widespread, and more efficient utilization, which represents a significant challenge in amplification gene therapy advancements. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), with their unique physicochemical properties, are considered an innovative solution for scalable gene therapy. This review aims to comprehensively explore the amplifying contributions of SNAs in gene therapy and emphasize the contribution of SNAs to the amplification effect of gene therapy from the aspects of structure, application, and recent clinical translation - an aspect that has been rarely reported or explored thus far. We begin by elucidating the fundamental characteristics and scaling-up properties of SNAs that distinguish them from traditional linear nucleic acids, followed by an analysis of combined therapy treatment strategies, theranostics, and clinical translation amplified by SNAs. We conclude by discussing the challenges of SNAs and provide a prospect on the amplification characteristics. This review seeks to update the current understanding of the use of SNAs in gene therapy amplification and promote further research into their clinical translation and amplification of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghao Tao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Shang Wu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Jiaheng Zhang
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Yao Cheng
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Longtianyang Lei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Yang Qin
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Hua Wei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
| | - Cui-Yun Yu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 421001, Hengyang, P. R. China.
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Paranandi KS, Lee A, Stanic N, Mirkin CA. Cellular Export Fate of Liposomal Spherical Nucleic Acids. ACS NANO 2023; 17:19000-19010. [PMID: 37738539 PMCID: PMC10801820 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Liposomal spherical nucleic acids (LSNAs) are useful structures for oligonucleotide-based cell modulation because of their biocompatibility and ability to readily enter cells without transfection agents. Understanding LSNA trafficking is key to developing applications, but while much is understood about LSNA cell uptake, little is known about their export fate. Here, we study LSNA export through pulse-chase studies with fluorophore-labeled LSNAs. Our findings show that the components of LSNAs are differentially exported by cells, with the phospholipids showing 90-100% export and the oligonucleotides showing 30-45% export over 24 h in RAW264.7 macrophages. Despite the increase in the level of uptake of LSNAs, these percentages are not significantly influenced by whether the materials are taken up as LSNAs or as the individual components. The exported oligonucleotide material consists of a full-length oligonucleotide with the phospholipid anchor modified by loss of a fatty acid. The exported liposome-derived phospholipids also had a fatty acid removed. Moreover, the exported oligonucleotide-lysophospholipid conjugates retain immunostimulatory potential. These findings indicate that after cellular entry LSNAs are degraded into lysophospholipids, something to which they are susceptible due to the presence of hydrolyzable ester bonds. The export percentage of the resultant materials over 24 h is independent of the amount imported, such that greater initial import leads to a similar fold increase in exported material. This work therefore reveals an intracellular feature of LSNAs and shows that the enhanced uptake achieved with LSNAs can be exploited to maximize the amount of material subsequently exported, suggesting avenues for leveraging pharmacologic effects from exported LSNA components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna S. Paranandi
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Andrew Lee
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nikola Stanic
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A. Mirkin
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Äärelä A, Auchynnikava T, Moisio O, Liljenbäck H, Andriana P, Iqbal I, Lehtimäki J, Rajander J, Salo H, Roivainen A, Airaksinen AJ, Virta P. In Vivo Imaging of [60]Fullerene-Based Molecular Spherical Nucleic Acids by Positron Emission Tomography. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5043-5051. [PMID: 37531591 PMCID: PMC10548468 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
18F-Labeled [60]fullerene-based molecular spherical nucleic acids (MSNAs), consisting of a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mRNA antisense oligonucleotide sequence with a native phosphodiester and phosphorothioate backbone, were synthesized, site-specifically labeled with a positron emitting fluorine-18 and intravenously administrated via tail vein to HER2 expressing HCC1954 tumor-bearing mice. The biodistribution of the MSNAs was monitored in vivo by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. MSNA with a native phosphodiester backbone (MSNA-PO) was prone to rapid nuclease-mediated degradation, whereas the corresponding phosphorothioate analogue (MSNA-PS) with improved enzymatic stability showed an interesting biodistribution profile in vivo. One hour after the injection, majority of the radioactivity was observed in spleen and liver but also in blood with an average tumor-to-muscle ratio of 2. The prolonged radioactivity in blood circulation may open possibilities to the targeted delivery of the MSNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Äärelä
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
- Research
and Development, Orion Pharma, FI-20380 Turku, Finland
| | - Tatsiana Auchynnikava
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Moisio
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, University
of Turku, FI-20520 Turku Finland
| | - Putri Andriana
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Imran Iqbal
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Jyrki Lehtimäki
- Research
and Development, Orion Pharma, FI-20380 Turku, Finland
| | - Johan Rajander
- Accelerator
Laboratory, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Salo
- Research
and Development, Orion Pharma, FI-20380 Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku
Center for Disease Modeling, University
of Turku, FI-20520 Turku Finland
- Turku PET
Centre, Turku University Hospital, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Anu J. Airaksinen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
- Turku
PET Centre, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Pasi Virta
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Turku, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
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Callmann CE, Vasher MK, Das A, Kusmierz CD, Mirkin CA. In Vivo Behavior of Ultrasmall Spherical Nucleic Acids. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300097. [PMID: 36905236 PMCID: PMC10272074 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The biological properties of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are largely independent of nanoparticle core identity but significantly affected by oligonucleotide surface density. Additionally, the payload-to-carrier (i.e., DNA-to-nanoparticle) mass ratio of SNAs is inversely proportional to core size. While SNAs with many core types and sizes have been developed, all in vivo analyses of SNA behavior have been limited to cores >10 nm in diameter. However, "ultrasmall" nanoparticle constructs (<10 nm diameter) can exhibit increased payload-to-carrier ratios, reduced liver accumulation, renal clearance, and enhanced tumor infiltration. Therefore, we hypothesized that SNAs with ultrasmall cores exhibit SNA-like properties, but with in vivo behavior akin to traditional ultrasmall nanoparticles. To investigate, we compared the behavior of SNAs with 1.4-nm Au102 nanocluster cores (AuNC-SNAs) and SNAs with 10-nm gold nanoparticle cores (AuNP-SNAs). Significantly, AuNC-SNAs possess SNA-like properties (e.g., high cellular uptake, low cytotoxicity) but show distinct in vivo behavior. When intravenously injected in mice, AuNC-SNAs display prolonged blood circulation, lower liver accumulation, and higher tumor accumulation than AuNP-SNAs. Thus, SNA-like properties persist at the sub-10-nm length scale and oligonucleotide arrangement and surface density are responsible for the biological properties of SNAs. This work has implications for the design of new nanocarriers for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E Callmann
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Matthew K Vasher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Anindita Das
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Caroline D Kusmierz
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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