We report nature-inspired drug-DNA adducts (DDAs) as a simple yet programmable platform for site-specific drug-DNA conjugation and application in targeted anticancer drug delivery. With multiple copies of drugs conjugated on one DNA, the DDAs were nuclease-resistant and stable for storage, yet gradually released drugs at physiological temperature. Designer DDAs were able to form nanoadducts by hybridization and fold into drug-aptamer adducts (DAAs) for specific recognition of cancer cells and targeted anticancer drug delivery. In a tumor xenograft mouse model, DAAs significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced side effects, as verified by tissue analysis of tumors and hearts.
- Guizhi Zhu
- Sena Cansiz
- Weihong Tan
