A Triggered DNA Hydrogel Cover to Envelop and Release Single Cells

Abstract

We develop an enzyme-triggered permeable DNA hydrogel cover to envelop and release single cells in microwells. The porous structure of the DNA hydrogel allows nutrients and waste to pass through, leading to a cell viability as high as 98%. The design provides a general method to culture, monitor, and manipulate single cells, and has potential applications in cell patterning and studying cell communication.