DNA Motifs Hydrogel Microparticles as Gold Nanocatalyst Support Material

Abstract Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are unique catalysts due to their increased coordination unsaturation via nanoparticulation. Effective functioning requires an appropriate support to maintain particle dispersion without compromising nanoscale properties. Cross‐linked hydrophilic polymer‐derived hydrogels are ideal supports, particularly for biological and biomedical reactions, due to their aqueous affinity and biocompatibility. However, applications in confined spaces, such as in vivo environments, necessitate hydrogel micronization. This study introduces microsized DNA hydrogels as support for Au catalysts. DNA motif‐composed hydrogel particles exhibit high crosslinking density and produce small Au NPs owing to short DNA strands. This system significantly enhances catalytic efficiency compared to similar‐sized Au NP gel‐supported catalysts and requires minimal gold catalyst. Modulating DNA hydrogel crosslinking density allows easy control of Au NP size and catalytic activity, further improved by increased hydrogel surface area through microparticulation. These findings demonstrate DNA nanotechnology's versatility in tailoring DNA hydrogel properties and Au NP catalytic behavior. Computer‐aided design enables precise particle property and motif arrangement manipulation, offering promising customizable catalytic systems.