Multimodules integrated functional DNA nanomaterials for intelligent drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Nucleic Acid-Based Structures
• Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials
• Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology

Background:

• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is increasingly utilized as a fundamental component for creating advanced functional biomaterials.
• DNA's programmable sequences and inherent responsiveness make it ideal for constructing intelligent nanomaterials with predictable structures and tunable functions, particularly for drug delivery applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the functionalization strategies for DNA-based nanomaterials in drug delivery.
• To categorize functionalization modules into targeting, responsive, and therapeutic types.
• To introduce five representative DNA nanomaterial types used in drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of DNA functionalization modules (targeting, responsive, therapeutic).
• Review of five DNA nanomaterial types: DNA nanogel, DNA origami, DNA framework, DNA nanoflower, and DNA hybrid nanosphere.
• Discussion of challenges for clinical translation of DNA nanomaterials.

Main Results:

• DNA sequences can be designed for molecule recognition, responsiveness, and therapeutic efficacy.
• DNA's chemical groups serve as binding sites for incorporating additional functional units.
• Five distinct classes of DNA nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential in drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:

• DNA nanomaterials offer tunable properties and functionalities for advanced drug delivery.
• Challenges remain in translating these intelligent DNA materials from research to clinical applications.
• Further development is needed to fully realize the potential of DNA-based intelligent materials in real-world applications.