Programmable stimuli-driven DNA nanostructures for biomedical application

Stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructures, engineered by leveraging the molecular programmability of DNA, represent a kind of intelligent nanomaterials capable of sensing and responding to specific stimuli, which have attracted extensive attention over the past several years. Inheriting the intrinsic merits of DNA nanotechnology, such as programmable design, excellent biocompatibility, and easy functional modification these responsive architectures exhibit stimuli-driven structural reconfiguration, enabling spatiotemporally precise activation of functionalities through endogenous or exogenous regulatory triggers. This review systematically summarized their biomedical applications in recent five years, mainly focusing on precise molecular imaging, targeted drug delivery and tailored therapy. Furthermore, the authors briefly introduce the current challenges and future prospects of stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructure materials. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding for the latest progress of stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructures, aiming to advance the rational development of next-generation DNA nanodevices for personalized medicine.