Reversible Ag+-crosslinked DNA hydrogels

DNA hydrogels, consisting of Y-shaped nucleic acid subunits or of nucleic acid-functionalized acrylamide chains, undergo switchable gel-to-solution transitions. The Ag+-stimulated formation of cytosine–Ag+–cytosine complexes results in the crosslinking of the units to yield the hydrogels, while the cysteamine-induced elimination of the Ag+ ions dissociates the hydrogels into a solution phase.