Mechanically Triggered DNA Nanovehicles for Targeted Dual‐Drug Cancer Therapy
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive dual-drug delivery systems enable precise therapeutic control by co-releasing multiple agents, enhancing synergy while reducing dosage and side effects. Mechanical dysregulation is a hallmark of various diseases, yet force-responsive platforms remain rare. Here, we introduce a DNA-based mechanical nanovehicle that releases two anticancer drugs-TMPyP4 and doxorubicin-in response to tensile forces generated by integrin receptors at cell-cell junctions. The cholesterol-modified DNA constructs anchor to the cell membrane and undergoes force-induced structural changes, triggering rapid drug release under defined mechanical conditions. Our studies demonstrated selective activation in HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cells, achieving potent cytotoxicity while minimizing off-target effects in low-tension HEK293T cells. This modular platform integrates mechanosensing, real-time force visualization, and targeted therapy, establishing a new class of mechanoresponsive dual-drug delivery systems for safer and more effective cancer treatments.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications
Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Advanced Science
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 39
- Pages
- e75286–e75286
- Publication date
- 15 April 2026
- Language
- EN