Recent Progress in DNA Motor-Based Functional Systems

Abstract

The designability, functionalization, and diverse secondary structures of DNA enable the construction of DNA motors with stimuli-responsiveness. Therefore, it has been widely used to fabricate functional systems or generate mechanical power under external stimuli, such as pH, light, heat, electrical, and chemical molecular signals. Furthermore, the DNA motor has also been demonstrated to promote the applications of smart devices and materials, particularly in controllable drug delivery and reversible molecular switching. In this review, we have summarized and discussed recent progress of the construction and applications of DNA motor-based functional systems, such as responsive nanodevices, modified surfaces, and hydrogels.

DNA Hydrogels in the Perspective of Mechanical Properties

“…With these properties, the gel can be designed as intelligent robots for precise delivery of cells, drugs, etc. [5,108] This section mainly introduces the DNA hydrogel in biosensing, cell culture and capture, intelligent soft robots, and many other applications.…”

“…DNA hydrogels have a lower modulus than human muscle, and at the same time, the mechanical properties of hydrogels can be tuned in a wide range to meet different scenarios. [19,108,121] Meanwhile, DNA has a large responsive toolbox with tunable functions (Section 3.2). In addition, DNA hydrogels also have excellent programmability, allowing them to perform multiple on-demand functions and adapt to a variety of complex environments.…”

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

“…An exciting toolkit for the construction of reversible, multi-responsive nanoparticle assemblies with versatile functionalities, could include the use of DNA nano switches, 270 DNA walkers, 41 DNA tweezers, 271 and DNA Motor based functional systems in general. [272][273][274] Additionally, the constant development of new, dynamic DNA chemical modifications as well as their hybrids with various polymers, 275 and the emergence of DNA-encoded protein nanoparticle assembly, 276 could enable the construction of new materials. 277 Enhancing collaborations between the research communities of DNA nanotechnology and nanomaterial design, will enable the construction of various new materials that cannot otherwise be attained.…”

Nanohydrogels: Advanced Polymeric Nanomaterials in the Era of Nanotechnology for Robust Functionalization and Cumulative Applications

“…Nanotechnology has been emerging as a field with high applicability at the nanosize scale, which has driven the concerns of researchers concerning the designing of nanocomposites, nanomaterial, nanocomplex, and nanoscale-based drug carriers [1][2][3]. Regardless of these extensive contributions and progressive approaches concerning therapeutic deliveries, numerous difficulties still exist [4][5][6]. These include designing suitable carriers/platforms for different purposes in the therapeutic distribution of drugs.…”