38 pg PDF
ABSTRACT
DNA's programmable, predictable, and precise self-assembly properties enable structural DNA
nanotechnology. DNA nanostructures have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, bioimaging,
biosensing, and theranostics. However, physiological conditions, including low cationic ions and the presence of nucleases in biological systems, can limit the efficacy of DNA nanostructures. Several
strategies for stabilizing DNA nanostructures have been developed, including i) coating them with
16 biomolecules or polymers, ii) chemical cross-linking of the DNA strands, and iii) modifications of the
nucleotides and nucleic acids backbone. These methods significantly enhance the structural stability of
DNA nanostructures and thus enable in vivo and in vitro applications. This study reviews the present
perspective on the distinctive properties of the DNA molecule and explains various DNA nanostructures,
their advantages, and their disadvantages. We provide a brief overview of the biomedical applications of
DNA nanostructures and comprehensively discuss possible approaches to improve their biostability.
Finally, the shortcomings and challenges of the current biostability approaches are examined.
Keywords: DNA nanostructures, Biostability, Biomedical applications, DNA nucleases
Improvements in computational tools, design strategies, and control over the structure’s functionality enable the creation of more intricate 2D and 3D DNA nanostructures, translating the technology toward nanofabrication and biomedical applications [11]. DNA honeycombs [12], DNA origami polyhedrons in tripods [13], barcoded DNA origami [14], self-folding amphiphilic DNA origami [15], and many Programmable cage-like structures with molecular gates [16,17] are some examples of DNA nanostructures. The artificially designed DNA nanostructures with sophisticated surface features provide a robust and versatile framework for functionalization with various drugs, imaging dyes, probes, and chemicals [18]. The convenience of DNA functionalization makes DNA nanostructures one of the most favorable candidates with therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
Although recent progress in design, fabrication, and functionalization strategies have greatly expanded the efficacy of DNA nanostructures for diverse applications, the transition from bench to bedside still requires many improvements. The limits are primarily due to the vulnerability of DNA nanostructures to heat denaturation, enzymatic degradation, and structural disassembly in biological environments [19]. Therefore, the biostability and structural integrity of the DNA nanostructures should be the main concerns in biomedical research.
miRNA (microRNA) https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-015-0185-1