DNA‑Directed Assembly of Photonic Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

DNA-directed assembly has emerged as a versatile and powerful approach for constructing complex structured materials. By leveraging the programmability of DNA nanotechnology, highly organized photonic systems can be developed to optimize light-matter interactions for improved diagnostics and therapeutic outcomes. These systems enable precise spatial arrangement of photonic components, minimizing material usage, and simplifying fabrication processes. DNA nanostructures, such as DNA origami, provide a robust platform for building multifunctional photonic devices with tailored optical properties. This review highlights recent progress in DNA-directed assembly of photonic nanomaterials, focusing on their applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. It provides an overview of the latest advancements in the field, discussing the principles of DNA-directed assembly, strategies for functionalizing photonic building blocks, innovations in assembly design, and the resulting optical effects that drive these developments. The review also explores how these photonic architectures contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic applications, emphasizing their potential to create efficient and effective photonic systems tailored to specific healthcare needs.