DNA hydrogel formation by isothermal amplification of complementary targets in microfluidic channels (DhITACT) is a new platform for rapid and accurate detection of infectious pathogens. DNA hydrogel is formed in situ within microfluidic channels by the isothermal rolling circle amplification process upon the selective binding of target strands from the biological fluid. Once the volume of DNA hydrogel sufficiently enlarges, it can selectively block the matching channels with target pathogens.

Polymer gold nanoshells (PGNs) are prepared by a novel plant-inspired flavonoid surface modification method. The PGNs show dramatic photothermal properties, which can facilitate the endosomal escape and delivery of siRNA into the cytoplasm of cells. Efficient gene silencing has been achieved using siRNA immobilized PGNs, suggesting the potential applications of in vitro gene regulation by an external NIR stimulus.

H. Lee and co‐workers demonstrate, on page 3513, the novel platform for rapid and accurate detection of infectious pathogens. “DNA hydrogel formation by isothermal amplification of complementary target in fluidic channels” (DhITACT) enables the naked‐eye detection of ebola and Bacillus Anthracis using a microfluidic array chip by selective blockage of the matching channels through in situ hydrogel formation when target pathogen strands are present.