Recent Advances of DNA Tetrahedra for Therapeutic Delivery and Biosensing.

Chembiochem. 2021 Jan 27; :

Authors: Copp W, Pontarelli A, Wilds CJ

Abstract

The chemical and self-assembly properties of nucleic acids make them ideal for the construction of discrete structures and stimuli-responsive devices for a diverse array of applications. Amongst the various three-dimensional assemblies, DNA tetrahedra are of particular interest as these structures have been shown to be readily taken up by the cell without the need for transfecting agents via the process of caveolin mediated endocytosis. Moreover, these structures can be readily modified with a diverse range of pendant groups to confer greater functionality. This minireview highlights recent examples of advances related to applications of this interesting DNA structure including the delivery of therapeutic agents ranging from small molecules to oligonucleotides in addition to its utilization for sensing and imaging of various species within the cell.

PMID: 33506614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]