DNA Nanostructures at the Interface with Biology

Abstract

Summary Over the past four decades, the field of structural DNA nanotechnology has evolved into an accessible approach to generating DNA nanostructures with precise control of size, geometry, and presentation of ligands. Moreover, the biocompatibility of DNA, its programmability, responsiveness to biological cues, ready synthesis, and ease of functionalization place DNA nanostructures as advantageous carriers for applications requiring the transport and selective release of cargo. However, as DNA nanostructures are translated to in vivo systems, they must be specifically designed to be compatible with biological environments. Some of these challenges include the optimization of their stability in biological media, their cellular uptake profile, and their drug encapsulation and release abilities. This review provides an overview of the field of structural DNA nanotechnology and outlines the progress toward the creation of DNA nanostructures to address challenges in biomedicine, as well as strategies that are currently adopted for interfacing them with living organisms.