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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
08:56
In vitro Assembly of Semi-artificial Molecular Machine and its Use for Detection of DNA Damage
Published on: January 11, 2012
11.5K
Functionalization of Nucleic Acid Molecular Machines under Physiological Conditions: A Review
Mo Zhou1,2,3, Hongzhen Peng4, Shihua Luo5
1Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|April 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed design principles for creating nucleic acid molecular machines within biological settings. This advance enables smart theranostic applications by overcoming challenges in integrating multiple functions for coordinated action.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- In-situ fabrication of nucleic acid molecular machines is crucial for advanced theranostic applications.
- Biological environments present significant challenges for integrating multiple functional modules into coordinated machines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline design principles for nucleic acid-based molecular machines adapted for physiological conditions.
- To review current technologies for functionalizing these machines in biological settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
- Discussion of presynthesis modifications using unnatural bases.
- Exploration of postsynthesis functionalization via bioorthogonal chemistry and noncovalent interactions.
Main Results:
- Identification of key design principles for in-situ fabrication of nucleic acid molecular machines.
- Evaluation of technologies enabling functionalization in physiological environments.
- Analysis of the advantages and limitations of current functionalization strategies.
Conclusions:
- Nucleic acid nanotechnology offers solutions for creating complex molecular machines in vivo.
- Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges in functionalization and coordination.
- These advancements pave the way for sophisticated smart theranostic tools.
Keywords:
DNA nanotechnologybioorthogonal chemistryframework nucleic acidmolecular machinesunnatural basesMore Related Videos
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