Aptamer-Programmed DNA Nanodevices for Advanced, Targeted Cancer Theranostics

Abstract

DNA has been demonstrated to be a versatile material for construction at the nanoscale. DNA nanodevices are highly programmable and allow functionalization with multiple entities such as imaging modalities (fluorophores), targeting entities (aptamers), drug conjugation (chemical linkers), and triggered release (photoresponsive molecules). These features enhance the use of DNA nanodevices in biological applications, catalyzing the rapid growth of this domain of research. In this review, we focus on recent progress in the development and use of aptamer-functionalized DNA nanodevices as theranostic agents, their characterization, applications as delivery platforms, and advantages. We provide a brief background on the development of aptamers and DNA nanodevices in biomedical applications, and we present specific applications of these entities in cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. We conclude with a perspective on the challenges and possible solutions for the clinical translation of aptamer-functionalized DNA nanodevices in the domain of cancer therapeutics.

Aptamers for Viral Detection and Inhibition

“… 249 To address these drawbacks, aptamer-labeled DNA nanostructures have been explored as biosensing and diagnostic platforms. 250 − 254 DNA is a spatially controllable and versatile material that can be used for the bottom-up construction of nanostructures. 255 These DNA nanostructures have been robustly self-assembled into 2D and 3D geometries of specific shapes and sizes.…”

“…Synthetic scaffolds such as polymers, nanofibers, nanoparticles, and liposomes have emerged as advanced platforms for infectious disease detection and treatment. − However, these materials do not allow control over surface probe or ligand density for biosensing applications . To address these drawbacks, aptamer-labeled DNA nanostructures have been explored as biosensing and diagnostic platforms. − DNA is a spatially controllable and versatile material that can be used for the bottom-up construction of nanostructures . These DNA nanostructures have been robustly self-assembled into 2D and 3D geometries of specific shapes and sizes.…”

Adriamycin‐loaded exosome with anti‐CD20 aptamers selectively suppresses human CD20+ melanoma stem cells

“…Antibodies are commonly used as ligand target nanoparticles, but their strong immunogenicity and high molecular weight greatly limit their application. Aptamers are single‐stranded nucleic acids that selectively bind to the molecule of interest 9 . They have the advantages of low molecular weight and non‐immunogenicity and are readily available.…”

Supramolecular grafting of stimuli-responsive, carrier-free, self-deliverable nanoparticles of camptothecin and antisense DNA for combination cancer therapy

“…4 All these limitations experienced by both the therapies can be overcome to a large extent by the use of a suitable nonvehicle as a carrier for the delivery of therapeutic agents. 5 Unfortunately, the use of nanocarriers brings in many newer problems. First and foremost, nanocarriers themselves have no therapeutic value.…”