DNA‐Mediated Membrane Fusion and Its Biological Applications: Sensing, Reaction Control and Drug Delivery

Abstract

Membrane fusion plays a fundamental role in various biological processes, such as endocytosis, exocytosis, neurotransmission, and viral infections. These processes involve a highly selective recognition mechanism controlled by functional proteins, which inspire the development of sensitive and selective biosensors and other biomedical devices. By mimicking the nature membrane fusion mechanism, various artificial membrane fusion systems have been developed. In particular, DNA‐mediated membrane fusion holds great potential for spatiotemporal control of fusion events owing to the inherent programmability of DNA hybridization. Moreover, the biocompatibility of DNA enables it possible in vivo applications. In this Review, we illustrate different anchoring strategies of DNA‐mediated membrane fusion and discuss several factors that affect fusion efficiency. Subsequently, we highlight the biosensing application of the DNA‐mediated membrane fusion. In addition, we outline the significant progress made in other biological applications, including nanoreactor construction, protocell communication and drug delivery. Finally, we present major challenges and opportunities for DNA‐mediated membrane fusion.

Functionalization and higher-order organization of liposomes with DNA nanostructures

“…After having demonstrated the power of DNA for coating, clustering, and patterning liposomes, we next harnessed it to apply to membrane dynamics. Although DNA hybridization itself has been exploited to drive fusion 40 , in this study we focused on SNARE-driven vesicle fusion, which is an universal and essential biological process in various organisms 41 . A lipid mixing assay was used to characterize fusion kinetics 42 .…”

Tuning the Extracellular Vesicles Membrane through Fusion for Biomedical Applications

“…To create such platforms, nature is a great place for inspiration, as it has evolved to create extremely sensitive and specific sensing and signaling processes using refined components made up of only a few molecular building blocks [ 114 , 126 , 127 , 128 ]. Membrane fusion comprises highly selective molecular recognition mechanisms and can be used for biosensor development; this approach has enormous potential, as it is accompanied by the engagement of a large payload of signal-generating molecules [ 129 ]. Ning et al developed a method for fusing exosomes with liposomes containing reagents for reverse transcriptase, recombinase polymerase amplification, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas12a ( Figure 5 A) [ 130 ].…”

Fe Doping Enhances the Peroxidase-Like Activity of CuO for Ascorbic Acid Sensing

“…The biosensing of biomarkers and small molecules is of great significance in biomedicines, the environment, and the food industry [1][2][3]. A variety of nanomaterials with unique optical, electrical, and catalytic properties and recognition functions play important roles [4][5][6][7][8]. Among them, nanozymes, as a collection of nanomaterials with natural enzyme-like activities, have been used in the field of biosensors to replace natural enzymes because of their high stability, low cost, and ease of mass production [9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”