Aptamer‐Based Switchable Nanovalves for Stimuli‐Responsive Drug Delivery

Molecular gates: A new approach in developing controlled drug-delivery systems using aptamers as nanovalves is presented. For the proof of principle, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were modified with a hairpin form of ATP-binding DNA, which allows encapsulation and release of guest molecules controlled by ATP. This reversible aptamer-based nanogate function could provide novel trigger systems for any desired biological stimulus in drug-delivery applications.