Hybrid Nanoassemblies from Viruses and DNA Nanostructures

Abstract

Viruses are among the most intriguing nanostructures found in nature. Their atomically precise shapes and unique biological properties, especially in protecting and transferring genetic information, have enabled a plethora of biomedical applications. On the other hand, structural DNA nanotechnology has recently emerged as a highly useful tool to create programmable nanoscale structures. They can be extended to user defined devices to exhibit a wide range of static, as well as dynamic functions. In this review, we feature the recent development of virus-DNA hybrid materials. Such structures exhibit the best features of both worlds by combining the biological properties of viruses with the highly controlled assembly properties of DNA. We present how the DNA shapes can act as “structured” genomic material and direct the formation of virus capsid proteins or be encapsulated inside symmetrical capsids. Tobacco mosaic virus-DNA hybrids are discussed as the examples of dynamic systems and directed formation of conjugates. Finally, we highlight virus-mimicking approaches based on lipid- and protein-coated DNA structures that may elicit enhanced stability, immunocompatibility and delivery properties. This development also paves the way for DNA-based vaccines as the programmable nano-objects can be used for controlling immune cell activation.

Structures and Applications of Nucleic Acid-Based Micelles for Cancer Therapy

“…Although nucleic acid-based materials are state-of-the-art technology broadening the applications in vaccines and beyond, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 ], the current formulation, namely lipid nanoparticle, has a low mRNA loading capacity (<5%) compared to the extent of its carrier components [ 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 ]. Therefore, there is room to develop innovative delivery methods using nucleic acid-based materials including micellar systems.…”

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

“…There are many strategies to meet the challenges that DNA nanostructures face including designing the structures with a wireframe geometry that show greater resistance to nuclease degradation or cation depletion induced structure disassembly. There are a lot of other strategies that are available to increase the bio-stability of DNA nanostructures [ 205 , 206 ].…”