Structural programming of inorganic materials using DNA frameworks

Supramolecular assembly through non-covalent interactions is an attractive strategy for building ordered functional systems. DNA exhibits precise programmability at the nanoscale and self-assembles via Watson-Crick pairing. These properties make it an ideal candidate for large-scale supramolecular templates. Since the emergence of DNA nanotechnology, DNA supramolecular frameworks have become powerful tools to regulate inorganic material structures, enabling direct functional design at the molecular level. Inorganic materials offer excellent mechanical and chemical properties. DNA framework structure programming exploits geometric constraints and site specificity to precisely control nucleation, growth, and alignment, enabling the formation of well-defined morphologies. This review summarizes progress in the structural programming of inorganic materials using DNA framework structures. It first traces the development of DNA nanotechnology and highlights its advantages in templating. Then, methods for constructing DNA framework structures, interaction mechanisms guiding programmatic inorganic growth, and characterization techniques are explored. Key strategies including metallization, silicification, calcification, and nanocluster assembly are examined, with a focus on their development, optimization, and performance metrics. Application prospects in nanoelectronic devices, medicine, and chemical catalysis are outlined. Finally, key issues and challenges in DNA-guided synthesis are discussed, along with an outlook on future development. The review aims to provide a systematic reference for controlled structural formation of inorganic materials via DNA framework structures and promote high-quality inorganic material design.