Small Oligonucleotides Detection in Three-Dimensional Polymer Network of DNA-PEG Hydrogels

The control of the three-dimensional (3D) polymer network structure is important for permselective materials when specific biomolecule detection needed. Here we investigate conditions to obtain a tailored hydrogel that combines both molecular filtering and capture capabilities biosensing applications. Along this line, short oligonucleotide in displacement assay set within PEGDA hydrogels synthetized by UV radical photopolymerization. To provide insights on filter capability, diffusion studies several probes (sulforhodamine G dextrans) with different hydrodynamic radii were carried out using NMR technique. Moreover, fluorometric analyses hybridization DNA oligonucleotides inside shed light mechanisms recognition 3D, highlighting mesh size crowding effect greatly impact mechanism network. Finally, found best probe density transport allow higher weight molecules.