Development and functionalization of DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications

Abstract

Nanomaterials are excellent drug delivery systems, yet, they must be functionalized in a manner compatible with the biological environment. Regarding delivery of the payloads, it is critical to monitor the nanocarrier's biocompatibility and the ability to control its drug encapsulation and release, as well as targeting. The current challenges include avoiding negative host immune responses, optimizing stability in biological environments, and achieving precise interactions with the targets. Contemporary advances in structural DNA nanotechnology, DNA origami, and supramolecular DNA assembly make it possible to produce complex multi‐functional DNA nanostructures, wherein precise control of the size, geometry, and appearance of the ligands is feasible. DNA nanostructures offer ease of synthesis and conjugation of functional moieties to target the release of cargo or to analyze important biomarkers for diagnostics. Furthermore, the biocompatibility, programmability, responsiveness to biomolecules, cell‐surfaces, and organisms make such DNA nanomaterials highly suitable for potential translational applications. This overview summarizes the recent developments in functionalizing, stabilizing, and applying DNA nanostructures for potential biomedical applications.

Electrochemical Sensing of Interactions between DNA and Charged Macrocycles

“…Medical application of oligonucleotides and DNA shows the importance of developing protection and storage systems preventing enzymatic digestions of biopolymers and their target delivery and release in target tissues [9]. Chemical encapsulation via multiple noncovalent interactions is considered as one of the most promising issues in this area of research [10]. It includes the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes with natural [11] and synthetic [12,13] counterparts, self-assembling of solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes and vesicles [14][15][16].…”

DNA Based and Stimuli-Responsive Smart Nanocarrier for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer: Applications and Challenges

“…No define surface property needed [59,60] Lung Particles larger than 200 nm are trapped into lung capillaries Cationic surface charge [61] Brain 5-100 nm: nanoparticles uptake efficiency decreases with size Hydrophobic moieties and neutral charge enhance the brain uptake [59,62] Lymph nodes 1-40 nm: intra-tracheal administration 80 nm: Subcutaneous application Non-pegylated, Non-cationic and sugar based particles. [59,60] DNA based nanosystems developed circular DNA nanotechnology for ligand functionalization (neuregulin-1/NRG-1) and its biological application [63]. A group of researchers developed DNA nanospindals (DNA-NS) to efficiently load daunorubicin (DR) and target the HER2/neu receptors on the plasma membrane of drug-resistant MCF-7 (breast cancer) cells.…”

“…DNA based nanosystems developed circular DNA nanotechnology for ligand functionalization (neuregulin-1/NRG-1) and its biological application [ 63 ]. A group of researchers developed DNA nanospindals (DNA-NS) to efficiently load daunorubicin (DR) and target the HER2/neu receptors on the plasma membrane of drug-resistant MCF-7 (breast cancer) cells.…”

“…At low frequencies, it could be used for imaging, and at higher frequencies, it could be used as a catalyst to release drugs from nanocarriers or increase the permeability of malignant cell membranes. There are several sizes of micro bubbles have been developed for ultrasound imaging and also commercialized as Albunex, Sonazoid, Optison, etc [ 63 , 74 ]. Microbubbles’ large size (1–10 µm), short half-life, and low stability restricted access to the vascular compartment in tumor tissues.…”

Electrochemical DNA-Sensor Based on Macrocyclic Dendrimers with Terminal Amino Groups and Carbon Nanomaterials

“…Implementation of the DNA components in a supramolecular complex via multiple noncovalent interactions is one of the promising approaches in the design of such systems [ 21 ]. The complexation mentioned can be based on polyelectrolytes [ 22 , 23 ], solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and vesicles [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”