DNA hydrogel fiber with self-entanglement prepared by using an ionic liquid

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Spinning strands: A hydrogel fiber made entirely of DNA without any covalent cross-links, composed of intertwined toroid entanglements of flexible DNA strands (see scheme), was prepared by a one-step wet-spinning method with a hydrophilic ionic liquid as the condensing agent and coagulation solvent. The internal structure of the fiber was a disordered arrangement of strands with a B-DNA form. The fiber was also stable in various aqueous solutions.