Nucleic Acid Architectonics for pH-Responsive DNA Systems and Devices

Nucleic acid-based architectures have opened up numerous opportunities for basic and applied research in the field of DNA nanotechnology. The scheme of molecular architectonics of nucleic acids exploits conventional and unconventional base pairing interactions to integrate molecular partners in constructing functional molecular architectures and devices. The pH-responsive functional nucleic acid systems and devices have gained interest in diagnostics and therapeutics because of their biocompatibility and structural programmability. In this Mini-Review, we discuss recent advancements in the area of nucleic acid architectonics with a special emphasis on pH-driven molecular systems including molecular and nanoarchitectures, templated architectures and nanoclusters, nanomachines, hydrogels, targeted bioimaging, and drug delivery architectures. Finally, the Mini-Review is concluded by highlighting the challenges and opportunities for future developments.