Multifunctional Hybrid Nanocomposite Hydrogel Releasing Different Biomolecular Species Triggered with Different Biochemical Signals Processed by Orthogonal Biocatalytic Reactions

A micro/nanoshaped system composed of alginate microspheres (microgels) decorated with silica oxide nanoparticles functionalized with nitroavidin was used for on-demand bio-molecule release stimulated by different input signals. Enzymes preloaded in the microgels processed the applied signals producing either basic pH locally near the microspheres or generating H2O2 inside the hydrogel, or both simultaneously. The pH increase resulted in cleavage of the affinity bonds between nitroavidin and biotin, then releasing the latter. The H2O2 produced resulted in oxidative cleavage of cross-linking bonds in the alginate matrix, then opening pores and releasing a loaded model protein (bovine serum albumin).