Novel Stable DNA Nanoscale Material and Its Application on Specific Enrichment of DNA

Macrophage-Targeting DNA Nanomaterials: A Future Direction of Biological Therapy

DNA can be used for precise construction of complex and flexible micro-nanostructures, including DNA origami, frame nucleic acids, and DNA hydrogels. DNA nanomaterials have good biocompatibility and can enter macrophages via scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis. DNA nanomaterials can be uniquely and flexibly designed to ensure efficient uptake by macrophages, which represents a novel strategy to regulate macrophage function. With the development of nanotechnology, major advances have been made in the design and manufacturing of DNA nanomaterials for clinical therapy. In diseases accompanied by macrophage disturbances including tumor, infectious diseases, arthritis, fibrosis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis, DNA nanomaterials received considerable attention as potential treatments. However, we lack sufficient information to guarantee precise targeting of macrophages by DNA nanomaterials, which precludes their therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarize recent studies of macrophage-targeting DNA nanomaterials and discuss the limitations and challenges of this approach with regard to its potential use as a biological therapy.

Bimodal DNA self-origami material with nucleic acid function enhancement

BACKGROUND

The design of DNA materials with specific nanostructures for biomedical tissue engineering applications remains a challenge. High-dimensional DNA nanomaterials are difficult to prepare and are unstable; moreover, their synthesis relies on heavy metal ions. Herein, we developed a bimodal DNA self-origami material with good biocompatibility and differing functions using a simple synthesis method. We simulated and characterized this material using a combination of oxDNA, freeze-fracture electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Subsequently, we optimized the synthesis procedure to fix the morphology of this material.

RESULTS

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we found that the bimodal DNA self-origami material exhibited properties of spontaneous stretching and curling and could be fixed in a single morphology via synthesis control. The application of different functional nucleic acids enabled the achievement of various biological functions, and the performance of functional nucleic acids was significantly enhanced in the material. Consequently, leveraging the various functional nucleic acids enhanced by this material will facilitate the attainment of diverse biological functions.

CONCLUSION

The developed design can comprehensively reveal the morphology and dynamics of DNA materials. We thus report a novel strategy for the construction of high-dimensional DNA materials and the application of functional nucleic acid-enhancing materials.

An Aptamer-Embedded Two-Dimensional DNA Nanoscale Material with the Property of Cells Recruitment

Stem cells possess exceptional proliferation and differentiation abilities, making them highly promising for targeted recruitment research in tissue engineering and other clinical applications. DNA is a naturally water-soluble, biocompatible, and highly editable material that is widely used in cell recruitment research. However, DNA nanomaterials face challenges, such as poor stability, complex synthesis processes, and demanding storage conditions, which limit their potential applications. In this study, we designed a highly stable DNA nanomaterial that embeds nucleic acid aptamers in the single strand region. This material has the ability to specifically bind, recruit, and capture human mesenchymal stem cells. The synthesis process involves rolling circle amplification and topological isomerization, and it can be stored for extended periods under varying temperatures and humidity conditions. This DNA material offers high specificity, ease of fabrication, simple preservation, and low cost, providing a novel approach to stem cell recruitment strategies.

Exploring the diverse biomedical applications of programmable and multifunctional DNA nanomaterials

DNA nanoparticles hold great promise for a range of biological applications, including the development of cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic tests. Their subnanometer-level addressability enables precise, specific modifications with a variety of chemical and biological entities, making them ideal as diagnostic instruments and carriers for targeted delivery. This paper focuses on the potential of DNA nanomaterials, which offer scalability, programmability, and functionality. For example, they can be engineered to provide highly specific biosensing and bioimaging capabilities and show promise as a platform for disease diagnosis and treatment. Successful operation of various biomedical nanomaterials has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, there are still significant challenges to overcome, including the need to improve the scalability and reliability of the technology, and to ensure safety in clinical applications. We discuss these challenges and opportunities in detail and highlight the progress and prospects of DNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications.

A Specific Nucleic Acid Microfluidic Capture Device Based on Stable DNA Nanostructure

Benefiting from superior programmability and good biocompatibility, DNA nanomaterials have received considerable attention with promising prospects in biological detection applications. However, their poor stability and operability severely impede further development of the applications of DNA nanomaterials. Here, a thermally stable DNA nanomesh structure is integrated into a microfluidic chip. The specificity of the nucleic acid microfluidic capture device could reach the single-base mismatch level while capturing the ssDNA sample. The microfluidic chip provides a closed environment for the DNA nanomesh, giving the device excellent storage stability. After 6 months of storage at room temperature, the device still has a specific capture function on ssDNA samples with low concentration. The specific nucleic acid microfluidic capture device can be applied to the enrichment of ctDNA in the future and contribute to the early diagnosis of cancer.