Programmable DNA Nanodevices for Applications in Neuroscience

Abstract

The broad area of neuroscience has witnessed an increasing exploitation of a variety of synthetic biomaterials with controlled nanosized features. Different bionanomaterials offer very peculiar physicochemical and biochemcial properties contributing to the development of novel imaging devices toward imaging the brain, or as smartly functionalized scaffolds, or diverse tools contributing toward a better understanding of nervous tissue and its functions. DNA nanotechnology-based devices and scaffolds have emerged as ideal materials for cellular and tissue engineering due to their very biocompatible properties, robust adaptation with diverse biological systems, and biosafety in terms of reduced immune response triggering. Here we present technologies with respect to DNA nanodevices that are designed to better interact with nervous systems like neural cells, advanced molecular imaging technologies for imaging brain, biomaterials in neural regeneration, neuroprotection, and targeted delivery of drugs and small molecules across the blood−brain barrier. Along with comments regarding the progress of DNA nanotechnology in neuroscience, we also present a perspective on challenges and opportunities for applying DNA nanotechnology in applications pertaining to neurosciences.

Peptide functionalized DNA hydrogel enhances neuroblastoma cell growth and differentiation

“…10,11,14 DNA hydrogels are a programmable selfassembled network of multiple DNA strands. 15 We previously demonstrated that DNA hydrogels act as a cushion for cell attachment, cell growth, and cell spreading. Additionally, the adhesive properties of DNA hydrogels reprogramme the cellular membrane for enhanced receptor expression and endocytosis mechanisms.…”

Biology-guided engineering of bioelectrical interfaces

“…[58][59][60] Exploring synthetic biology and materials science in relation to neural recording and stimulation also offers unique and promising perspectives. 52,61 Additionally, various advances in micro-and nano-structured materials highlight the expanding frontiers of this field and the vast potential of leveraging machine intelligence and semiconductor technology. 62 In the following subsections, we focus on nanomaterialbased bioelectrical interfaces with applications in the nervous system.…”

“…DNA nanotechnology-based devices and scaffolds as materials have been used for cell and tissue engineering. 61 These materials are promising because they are biocompatible and highly adaptable in biological systems and do not induce strong negative immune responses.…”

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Endocytic Pathways Adapted by Small DNA Nanocages in Model Neuroblastoma Cell-Derived Differentiated Neurons

“…DNA nanostructures typically exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, cellular permeability, low cellular toxicity, and high resistance to enzymatic degradation, making them suitable for both in vitro and in vivo applications. , DNA nanostructures with well-defined geometries in sizes can be delivered to specific cells by triggering chemical, molecular, and environmental signals to release targeted molecules and offer tunable cellular uptake profiles. DNA nanocarriers like nanocages have been used for cellular and in vivo delivery of different types of cargo molecules such as small molecules, peptides, antibodies, and oligonucleotides. − Many unmodified DNA nanodevices cannot be internalized efficiently in cells without any transfection agent because of the polyanionic nature of DNA molecules. However, few devices of small size and specific geometry have been shown to be internalized into cells and in vivo . , Three-dimensional DNA nanocages like tetrahedral DNA nanocages (TDN) and icosahedral DNA nanocages (IDNs) can enter different cell types without any aid of a transfection agent.…”