Nucleic‐Acid‐Templated Synthesis of Smart Polymer Vectors for Gene Delivery

Abstract

Nucleic acids are information‐rich and readily available biomolecules which can be used to template the polymerization of synthetic macromolecules. Here, we highlight the control over the size, composition and sequence one can nowadays obtain using this methodology. We also showcase how templated processes exploiting dynamic covalent polymerization can, in return, result in therapeutic nucleic acids fabricating their own dynamic delivery vector – a biomimicking concept that can provide original solutions for gene therapies.

Dynamic covalent synthesis

“…159 With the escalating impact of artificial intelligence, 160,161 this growing body of data will improve the predictability of complex synthesis of discrete assemblies. Also, the templating approach now extends far beyond small spherical ions toward more complex and flexible biomolecular scaffolds 122,162 and nano-templates. 163 As for materials, DCS can be used as a bottom-up hierarchical approach to yield 2D and 3D (porous) materials 164–166 such as Covalent Organic Frameworks (COF) 167–172 and the alike Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF).…”

Sub-100 nm carriers by template polymerization for drug delivery applications

“…This method involves using natural or engineered biomolecules as templates to guide the synthesis and assembly of polymers or other materials with precise shapes, sizes, and functionalities. [81][82][83] The use of biomolecule templates has gained prominence in recent years due to their potential in creating complex, functional, and biocompatible materials such as DNA origami. Using biomolecule templates allows precise control over the size, shape, and functional properties of the resulting materials.…”

Selective Formation of Pd‐DNA Hybrids Using Tailored Palladium‐Mediated Base Pairs: Towards Heteroleptic Pd‐DNA Systems

“…In this scenario, the binding of molecules to ss‐DNA has traditionally relied on intermolecular forces acting on the nucleobases or phosphate groups, thus facilitating the assembly of structures. In recent years, this field of research has witnessed remarkable advancements, resulting in noteworthy outcomes [12] . However, the arrangement of metal entities along ss‐DNA has received comparatively less attention.…”