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Construction of Smart DNA-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
Congcong Li1, Mengzhen Wang1, Pei-Feng Li1
1Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
Abstract:
Due to the disadvantages of poor targeting, slow action, and low effectiveness of current commonly used cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, researchers have turned to DNA as a biomaterial for constructing drug delivery nanocarriers. DNA is favored for its biocompatibility and programmability. In order to overcome the limitations associated with traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), researchers have developed smart-responsive DNA DDSs that can control drug release in response to specific physical or chemical stimuli at targeted sites. In this review, a summary of multiple targeted ligand structures is provided, various shapes of stable DNA nanomaterials, and different stimuli-responsive drug release strategies in DNA DDSs. Specifically, targeted cell recognition, in vivo stable transport, and controlled drug release of smart DDSs are focused. Finally, the further development prospects and challenges of clinical application of DNA nanomaterials in the field of smart drug delivery are discussed. The objective of this review is to enhance researchers' comprehension regarding the potential application of DNA nanomaterials in precision drug delivery, with the aim of expediting the clinical implementation of intelligent DDSs.
Insights
Researchers are developing smart DNA nanocarriers for cancer treatment, offering improved targeting and controlled drug release over traditional methods. These DNA drug delivery systems (DDSs) promise more effective precision medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Current cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) suffer from poor targeting, slow action, and low effectiveness.
- DNA is a promising biomaterial for nanocarrier construction due to its biocompatibility and programmability.
- Limitations of traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) necessitate the development of advanced alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review smart-responsive DNA DDSs for overcoming traditional treatment limitations.
- To summarize targeted ligand structures, DNA nanomaterial shapes, and stimuli-responsive release strategies.
- To discuss the potential of DNA nanomaterials in precision drug delivery and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DNA-based nanocarriers for drug delivery.
- Analysis of targeted ligand structures and DNA nanomaterial designs.
- Examination of stimuli-responsive drug release mechanisms in smart DDSs.
Main Results:
- DNA nanocarriers offer improved biocompatibility and programmability for DDSs.
- Smart-responsive DNA DDSs enable targeted cell recognition and controlled drug release.
- Various DNA nanomaterial shapes and targeted ligand strategies enhance DDS performance.
Conclusions:
- DNA nanomaterials show significant potential for precision drug delivery in cancer therapy.
- Smart-responsive DNA DDSs can improve in vivo stability and drug release control.
- Further research and development are needed to address challenges for clinical implementation of intelligent DDSs.
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