Abstract
DNA is more than a carrier of genetic information: It is a highly versatile structural motif for the assembly of nanostructures, giving rise to a wide range of functionalities. In this regard, the structure programmability is the main advantage of DNA over peptides, proteins, and small molecules. DNA amphiphiles, in which DNA is covalently bound to synthetic hydrophobic moieties, allow interactions of DNA nanostructures with artificial lipid bilayers and cell membranes. These structures have seen rapid growth with great potential for medical applications. In this Review, the current state of the art of the synthesis of DNA amphiphiles and their assembly into nanostructures are first summarized. Next, an overview on the interaction of these DNA amphiphiles with membranes is provided, detailing on the driving forces and the stability of the interaction. Moreover, the interaction with cell surfaces in respect to therapeutics, biological sensing, and cell membrane engineering is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and an outlook on this promising class of DNA hybrid materials are discussed.
Highlights
When using TNAs as artificial receptors, the failed anchoring or insertion of the DNA in the cell membrane restricts its Embedded in a unique language, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) excellent recognition properties
The PPO from both DNA amphiphile and Pluronic copolymer formed the core of the micelles, while DNA from DNA-b-PPO and PEG from Pluronic were located in the corona
This process was reversed when the pH was increased to 7.3. This structure allowed the encapsulation of a hydrophobic molecule and a pH-triggered release, showing that these DNA amphiphile systems can be engineered to be sensitive to external stimuli
Summary
When using TNAs as artificial receptors, the failed anchoring or insertion of the DNA in the cell membrane restricts its Embedded in a unique language, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) excellent recognition properties. The Watson-Crick base pairing rules provide DNA with of TNAs both in vitro and in vivo, one of the most commonly unique self-recognition and sequence programmability, which used strategies is increasing the hydrophobicity of nucleic enabled DNA and DNA-based materials to find their appli- acids. To this end, DNA is chemically conjugated with hydrocations in biomedicine, which includes drug delivery, gene phobic moieties, resulting in DNA amphiphiles.
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