Rationally Programming Nanomaterials with DNA for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

DNA is not only a carrier of genetic information, but also a versatile structural tool for the engineering and self-assembling of nanostructures. In this regard, the DNA template has dramatically enhanced the scalability, programmability, and functionality of the self-assembled DNA nanostructures. These capabilities provide opportunities for a wide range of biomedical applications in biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and disease therapy. In this review, the importance and advantages of DNA for programming and fabricating of DNA nanostructures are first highlighted. The recent progress in design and construction of DNA nanostructures are then summarized, including DNA conjugated nanoparticle systems, DNA-based clusters and extended organizations, and DNA origami-templated assemblies. An overview on biomedical applications of the self-assembled DNA nanostructures is provided. Finally, the conclusion and perspectives on the self-assembled DNA nanostructures are presented.

Optimization of Nanoparticles for Smart Drug Delivery: A Review

“…The carrier-free nanomedicine has the characteristics of high drug loading and carrier-free toxicity, but the problems of low targeting, organic solvent residue and difficulty in surface modification also limit its clinical application. (B) Organic carrier nano drug delivery system: PEG, PVP, Pox, protein, peptide [171], DNA [182] and RNA [172]. Reproduced with permission [171,182].…”

“…Copyright 2018 and 2012, American Chemical Society. Reproduced with permission [172]. Copyright 2020, Nature Publishing Group.…”

“…Here, each RNA nanoparticle can be covalently loaded with 24 paclitaxel molecules as prodrugs, and the formed RNA-paclitaxel complex is structurally rigid and stable. Using RNA nanoparticles as a carrier bolsters the water solubility of paclitaxel by 32,000 times [172]. In the case of achieving a good tumor treatment effect, undetectable toxicity or immune stimulation, although problems still abound in cancer treatment and diagnosis, DNA, RNA and peptide therapy using nanomedicine present a very ideal combination.…”

DNA-controlled Spatio-temporal Patterning of a Cytoskeletal Active Gel

“…Indeed, DNA reactions can be exquisitely controlled, 13–17 and coupled to a great variety of materials. 18–22 The mechanical amplification of a DNA signal can be either performed by DNA reactions, such as in DNA-responsive hydrogels, 23,24 or by motor proteins, such as in DNA-based cytoskeletal active gels. 25–29 While the former have the advantage of greater programmability, they lack the self-organization properties of cytoskeletal active gels.…”

Chemically modified nucleic acids and DNA intercalators as tools for nanoparticle assembly

“…[26][27][28][29][30] Whilst many types of ligands have been developed to direct the assembly of nanoparticles, [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] DNA has attracted significant interest. [41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49] DNA has several advantages over other ligands, which include: (i) a DNA strand binds selectively and specifically to its complementary sequence, (ii) a plethora of DNA structures can be made using simple methods, (iii) DNA can interact with other functional molecules (e.g. enzymes) in a specific manner, and (iv) DNA strands can be chemically modified to include functional chemical groups.…”