Hydrogel-Aptamer Capture and Release (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Figure 1 shows hydrogel-aptamer capture and release. The hydrogel can be made sensitive to environmental variables. In the current study, changes in solution pH cause the hydrogel to either swell or contract. High pH produces a swollen state, causing slender probes or aptamers (seen in blue) to extend, like the claws of a kitten. These aptamers, (short DNA, RNA or peptide molecules sensitive to specific chemical targets), extend into a mixed solution in an upper compartment of the device, exposing them to the molecules with which they bind. When the pH of the hydrogel is reduced and the environment becomes acidic, the hydrogel contracts, causing the aptamer probes to relax, pulling away the bound molecules (orange and yellow), which are released and free to re-circulate. Credit The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.