Harnessing DNA as a Designable Scaffold for Asymmetric Catalysis: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Since the first report of DNAzyme by in vitro selection in 1994, catalytic DNA has investigated extensively, and their application has expanded continually in virtue of rapid advances in molecular biology and biotechnology. Nowadays, DNA is in the second prime time by way of DNA-based hybrid catalysts and DNA metalloenzymes in which helical chirality of DNA serves to asymmetric catalysis. DNA-based hybrid catalysts are attractive system to respond the demand of the times to pursuit green and sustainable society beyond traditional catalytic systems that value reaction efficiency. Herein, we highlight the recent advances and perspective of DNA-based hybrid catalysts with various aspects of DNA as a versatile scaffold for asymmetric synthesis. We hope that scientists in a variety of fields will be encouraged to join and promote remarkable evolution of this interesting research.

Nucleic acids as templates and catalysts in chemical reactions: target-guided dynamic combinatorial chemistry and in situ click chemistry and DNA/RNA induced enantioselective reactions

“…The inherent chirality of DNA and RNA structures inspired many researchers to develop versatile catalysts for inducing enantioselectivity in chemical synthesis. 277–292 The chirality of nucleic acids originates from their intricate three-dimensional structure, and in case of DNA, it also stems from the deoxyribose moiety. Most DNA/RNA-catalysed reactions generally involve DNAzymes or ribozymes that perform phosphodiester bond cleavage or ligation along with peptide bond formation/cleavage and amino acid side chain modifications.…”

“…The chiral environment of DNA/RNA could influence the stereochemical course of a chemical reaction. 277–292…”

Construction of a highly efficient DNA nanotube sensor with peroxide-like activity

“…These catalysts offer several advantages, including high efficiency, high selectivity, easy synthesis, and customizable structure. 8 At present, scientists have proficiently employed DNA molecules to fabricate diverse biomimetic catalysts, including DNAzyme, 9 DNA metal–organic frameworks, 10 and DNA-based artificial metalloenzymes. 8 DNA-based artificial metalloenzymes are promising artificial catalysts that combine the advantages of DNA and metal complex catalysts, and they have a wide range of applications in biomedical and chemical synthesis, etc.…”

Engineering Circular Aptamer Assemblies with Tunable Selectivity to Cell Membrane Antigens In Vitro and In Vivo

“…DNA-based materials offer another platform for engineering highly controllable and addressable scaffolds and binding agents. − For instance, DNA nanotechnology allows for constructions of various nanostructures for precise modification of different binding agents. − System evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology facilitates the discovery of aptamer panels that can recognize a wide range of targets, especially the cell surface antigens. , In addition, it is generally believed that these pure DNA-based delivery platforms are with low immunogenicity and therefore have been explored as tools for targeted drug delivery in vivo . However, most reported DNA-based targeting platforms were focusing on improving the binding affinity by functionalizing multiple aptamers on the scaffolds. − Limited studies were reported to investigate the facets of avidity optimization such as tuning the binding selectivity based on antigen densities, ligand valency, and antigen/ligand affinity .…”