Functionalized framework nucleic acids for the treatment of infectious diseases

Infectious diseases remain a major threat to global public health, a challenge further exacerbated by the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance. In this context, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNA) have recently gained attention as a novel nanomaterial platform with therapeutic potential. Their advantages arise from a dual mechanism. On one hand, tFNA directly contribute to overcoming antimicrobial resistance by facilitating antibiotic penetration, disrupting bacterial membrane integrity, and downregulating resistance-associated genes. On the other hand, they serve as efficient drug delivery vehicles that enhance the stability, bioavailability, and cellular uptake of antimicrobial agents. Beyond these antibacterial effects, tFNA can also modulate host immunity: their intrinsic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help mitigate excessive inflammation and tissue injury, thereby supporting the restoration of immune homeostasis. Although several challenges still hinder their clinical translation, tFNA represent a novel and versatile platform for infectious disease treatment, offering considerable promise for future therapeutic development.