Azobenzene-integrated photoresponsive DNA with universal design principles and cross-disciplinary applications: A...

Photoresponsive DNA nanotechnology represents an important platform for creating dynamic biomaterials and therapeutic tools. This review presents a systematic approach linking molecular design principles with functional outcomes in azobenzene-DNA systems. Moving beyond previous summaries, we examine key structural features including nucleobase modifications, backbone architectures, and supramolecular organization that govern performance on biological and materials applications. These structural insights explain observed variations in system performance and guide rational design strategies. Recent experimental advances demonstrate practical applications of these principles, particularly in developing infrared-sensitive switches and predictive modeling approaches. The established correlations between molecular structure and functional output provide actionable guidelines for creating more effective light-responsive materials. By bridging fundamental photochemical principles with engineering considerations, this framework facilitates the development of reliable DNA-based systems for biomedical research and nanotechnology applications.