Cross-linked DNA capsules templated on porous calcium carbonate microparticles

To prepare hollow microcapsules composed of native DNA, we developed a templating method using porous calcium carbonate microparticles as sacrificial templates. At first, DNA was adsorbed onto calcium carbonate microparticles, and then the adsorbed DNA was covalently cross-linked with each other by using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether. After the dissolution of the templates, the resultant DNA capsules ranged from 1.5 to 8 μm in diameter, according to ionic strength. The low cross-linked and highly cross-linked DNA capsules exhibited enzymatic degradability and permeability that was dependent on the molecular weight of macromolecular solutes, respectively. This method has the potential to be used for the preparation of various single-component polymer capsules.