RNA nanoparticles: Emerging biomolecular scaffolds for precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics

Recent advances in RNA nanotechnology have enabled the development of innovative RNA-based nano-scaffolds with significant potential in both therapeutic and diagnostic domains. Owing to the intrinsic structural flexibility and programmability of RNA, these nanostructures can be designed to self-assemble into diverse ring-like architectures capable of accommodating multiple functional payloads. Their nanoscale dimensions facilitate efficient penetration across complex biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier and the placenta, thereby enhancing systemic delivery and bioavailability. In therapeutic applications, RNA nanoparticles have been engineered for targeted delivery of drugs or genetic material to specific cells or tissues, thereby reducing off-target effects and improving treatment efficacy. In diagnostics, these platforms can be functionalized with aptamers, molecular beacons, or fluorescent probes for the specific recognition and real-time imaging of disease-related biomarkers. This strategy allows for sensitive and non-invasive detection of targets such as oncogenic RNAs, viral genomes, and other pathological molecules. Despite the encouraging progress, several challenges persist in the field, particularly in the rational design, structural stability, and in vivo performance of RNA nanoparticles. This review highlights recent developments in RNA nanostructures, extensively discusses their utility in biomedicine, and outlines current limitations that must be addressed to advance their clinical translation.