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DNA nanovehicles and the biological barriers
Anders H Okholm1, Jørgen Kjems1
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Center for DNA Nanotechnology and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), University of Aarhus, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Abstract:
DNA is emerging as a smart material to construct nanovehicles for targeted drug delivery. The programmability of Watson-Crick base paring enables construction of defined and dynamic DNA nanostructures of almost arbitrary shape and DNA can readily be functionalized with a variety of molecular modules. The applications of DNA nanostructures are still in its infancy, but one of the high expectations are to deliver solutions for targeted therapy. Nucleic acids, however, do not easily enter cells unassisted and biological barriers and harsh nucleolytic conditions in the human body must also be overcome. Here, we highlight recent strategies for DNA nanostructures in drug delivery, DNA nanovehicles, to facilitate targeting and crossing of the biological barriers. In light of this, we discuss future solutions and challenges for DNA nanovehicles to unravel their great potential to facilitate targeted drug delivery.
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