DNA折纸术研究进展

DNA折纸术是近年来提出的一种全新的DNA自组装的方法,是DNA纳米技术与DNA自组装领域的一个重大进展。与传统的DNA自组装技术不同,DNA折纸术通过将一条长的DNA单链（通常为基因组DNA）与一系列经过设计的短DNA片段进行碱基互补,能够可控地构造出高度复杂的纳米图案或结构,在新兴的纳米领域中具有广泛的潜在应用。本文在介绍DNA折纸术相关原理的基础上,就DNA折纸术的起源、发展及其在DNA芯片、纳米元件与材料等领域的潜在应用进行了概述,探讨了DNA折纸术未来可能的发展方向。     

DNA纳米技术研究进展

DNA不只是遗传物质,还能通过折叠形成特定的二维、三维结构,作为一种天然纳米材料可参与各种功能结构和纳米器件的构造。DNA纳米技术从被提出到现在的三十多年间,得到了飞速发展,被应用于众多领域,对纳米科学产生了重大影响。本文将主要从三种典型的DNA纳米结构和DNA纳米技术的应用两个方面进行综述,并对DNA纳米技术的前景进行展望。     

二维DNA晶体的程序化设计与自组装的研究进展

按照Watson-Crick的碱基配对原则，在理论上能够人工设计与合成DNA碱基序列并自组装成任何一维和二维结构的DNA晶体。DNA分子这种底端向上(bottom-up)的自组装模式为我们提供了一种精确合成纳米材料的方法。本文将从程序化设计、合成刚性的DNA分子瓦(DNA tile)、分子瓦自组装成二维DNA晶体以及二维DNA晶体作为模板在纳米技术中的应用等方面展开，简述这一新奇的并且有着潜在应用前景的研究领域的最新进展。     

可控自组装DNA折纸结构作为药物载体的研究进展

在过去的几十年里, DNA纳米技术作为一种快速发展的可控自组装技术, 使人们能构建出各种复杂的纳米结构. DNA折纸结构具备可编程性、 空间可寻址性、 易修饰性及良好的生物相容性等多种优越的特性, 这些优异的性质使其在药物递送方面具有广阔的应用前景. 本文总结了近年来可控自组装DNA折纸结构作为药物递送系统的研究进展, 展望了DNA折纸纳米载体未来的发展方向, 并讨论了该领域面临的挑战和可能的解决方法.     

手性组装材料及其在对映体分离中的应用

手性组装材料作为一种新型功能复合材料,已经引起众多科学研究领域的广泛关注,尤其是其在对映体分离方面的潜在应用成为当前的研究热点。本文首先从手性来源角度对手性组装材料的构建机制进行了分类探讨,包括手性诱导、手性放大、手性传递和手性转录4个主要途径,其中具有手性的多孔金属有机骨架、纳米笼是基于手性诱导和手性传递机制构建的组装材料,手性凝胶的形成是基于手性放大机制,而手性转录机制主要用于手性多孔无机材料、螺旋纳米结构的构建。其次,介绍了手性组装材料的对映体识别功能,主要针对金属有机骨架化合物(MOFs)、手性凝胶和纳米笼三类手性组装材料在对映体分离中的应用进行了综述。阐述了天然生物大分子DNA的手性自组装特性及其对对映体的立体选择性识别功能,并介绍了DNA螺旋组装结构在手性等离子材料、非对称催化剂设计等方面的应用。最后,归纳了金属有机骨架化合物、手性凝胶、纳米笼和DNA等手性组装材料各自的优势,并对DNA在手性拆分领域的应用前景进行了展望。     

DNA纳米机器

本文介绍了以DNA为基础的纳米机器的发展现状,强调了核酸作为一种材料在纳米科技领域的重要作用.着重阐述了利用链交换反应或环境因素变化可以驱动DNA二级结构的变化,从而可以构建出形式多样的纳米级核酸分子机器;评价了各类分子机器在效率、寿命和副产物方面的优缺点.在总结前人工作的基础上预测了核酸纳米技术在生命科学、材料科学以及计算科学等诸多方面可能的应用.     

DNA自组装结构在纳米诊疗中的应用

DNA分子具有良好的生物相容性和可编程性,被广泛用于构建新型纳米生物材料.研究者利用DNA纳米技术已构建了尺寸、形貌及对称性精确可控且可对环境条件做出特异性响应的DNA自组装结构,它们在生物成像及检测、药物的精准输送等纳米诊疗领域有着极大的应用潜力.然而, DNA纳米材料应用于活体系统存在稳定性不足、细胞摄取效率不高以及药物的包裹及可控释放程度不够等问题.本文简述了DNA自组装结构的构建方法以及将这些结构用于生物成像、生物检测和药物载带方面的进展,概括了提高DNA自组装结构体内稳定性及细胞摄取效率的方法,最后讨论了DNA自组装结构应用于纳米诊疗中所面临的机遇与尚待解决的问题.     

基于核酸框架的分子机器

分子机器是一种由分子构建的微型设备,在受到适当的刺激如光、温度、pH或电磁场时,它能够在分子水平上执行类似宏观机器的机械运动.然而,分子机器的研究仍面临着许多技术挑战,包括如何精确控制分子机器的运动,如何构建大规模的分子机器系统等.作为有潜力的分子自组装技术,利用DNA纳米技术可以构建复杂的刺激响应纳米机器并精确调控其在分子水平的运动.本文中,我们简单介绍了DNA纳米技术的组装原理,综述了响应DNA链置换、光、热、pH和电场等不同类型刺激的核酸框架分子机器,并探讨了它们在药物递送、构建三维等离子体光学器件以及作为生物分子标尺等方面的应用.     

DNA四面体结构纳米材料及其应用

基于DNA纳米技术自组装的DNA四面体纳米材料,由于结构稳定、机械性能优越、分子修饰位点丰富等特点,逐渐成为DNA纳米材料领域的研究热点。此外,该DNA四面体纳米材料只需一步热变性即可自组装形成,具有合成方法简单、产率高的优点。可通过不同的设计,利用自组装方法将功能分子修饰在DNA四面体的顶点处,包裹在其笼状孔隙结构内,镶嵌或悬挂在双螺旋的边上,甚至通过引入发卡环结构等方式智能控制其结构变化。本文综述了DNA四面体结构纳米材料的设计和自组装原理、功能化修饰方法和结构的智能化,同时介绍了DNA四面体纳米材料在分子诊断、生物成像、分子输送和靶向给药等方面的应用研究,并探讨了此类纳米材料在今后应用研究中应关注的方面。     

结构DNA纳米技术

DNA简单的配对原理A-T/C-G创造了丰富多彩的生物世界。DNA纳米技术将DNA从传统的基因图计划拓展成为建筑模块,用以构建功能纳米结构。本文综述了DNA自组装的原理,以及近年来结构DNA纳米技术研究中一些令人鼓舞的进展,其中包括构建二维和三维DNA纳米结构,以及DNA引导的多组分二维和三维纳米结构的最新成果,并对其研究前沿进行了展望。     

DNA‐Nanotechnologie

For the past two decades the extraordinary molecular recognition properties of DNA molecules have been used for the creation of artificial molecular structures. Following the initial production of simple molecular objects and lattices, with the recent invention of the DNA origami technique the complexity of these structures has considerably increased. Now the construction of almost arbitrary molecular nanostructures from DNA in two and even three dimensions is feasible – and first concrete applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology are in reach. In addition to static molecular structures, also dynamical systems such as molecular machines, molecular motors, and molecular computers can be realized. The combination of these functions within integrated systems currently leads to the development of first molecular “robots” and assembly lines for nanotechnology.     

Universal pH‐Responsive and Metal‐Ion‐Free Self‐Assembly of DNA Nanostructures

pH‐responsiveness has been widely pursued in dynamic DNA nanotechnology, owing to its potential in biosensing, controlled release, and nanomachinery. pH‐triggering systems mostly depend on specific designs of DNA sequences. However, sequence‐independent regulation could provide a more general tool to achieve pH‐responsive DNA assembly, which has yet to be developed. Herein, we propose a mechanism for dynamic DNA assembly by utilizing ethylenediamine (EN) as a reversibly chargeable (via protonation) molecule to overcome electrostatic repulsions. This strategy provides a universal pH‐responsivity for DNA assembly since the regulation originates from externally co‐existing EN rather than specific DNA sequences. Furthermore, it endows structural DNA nanotechnology with the benefits of a metal‐ion‐free environment including nuclease resistance. The concept could in principle be expanded to other organic molecules which may bring unique controls to dynamic DNA assembly.     

Programmed Self‐Assembly of a Quadruplex DNA Nanowire

The ability to produce, reproducibly and systematically, well‐defined quadruplex DNA nanowires through controlled rational design is poorly understood despite potential utility in structural nanotechnology. The programmed hierarchical self‐assembly of a long four‐stranded DNA nanowire through cohesive self‐assembly of GpC and CpG “sticky” ends is reported. The encoding of bases within the quadruplex stem allows for an uninterrupted π‐stacking system with rectilinear propagation for hundreds of nanometers in length. The wire is mechanically stable and features superior nuclease resistance to double‐stranded DNA. The study indicates the feasibility for programmed assembly of uninterrupted quadruplex DNA nanowires. This is fundamental to the systematic investigation of well‐defined DNA nanostructures for uses in optoelectronic and electronic devices as well as other structural nanotechnology applications.     

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between green fluorescent protein and doxorubicin enabled by DNA nanotechnology

DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly growing research area, where DNA may be used for wide range of applications such as construction of nanodevices serving for large scale of diverse purposes. Likewise a panel of various purified fluorescent proteins is investigated for their ability to emit their typical fluorescence spectra under influence of particular excitation. Hence these proteins may form ideal donor molecules for assembly of fluorescence resonance emission transfer (FRET) constructions. To extend the application possibilities of fluorescent proteins, while using DNA nanotechnology, we developed nanoconstruction comprising green fluorescent protein (GFP) bound onto surface of surface active nanomaghemite and functionalized with gold nanoparticles. We took advantage of natural affinity between gold and thiol moieties, which were modified to bind DNA fragment. Finally we enclosed doxorubicin into fullerene cages. Doxorubicin intercalated in DNA fragment bound on the particles and thus we were able to connect these parts together. Because GFP behaved as a donor and doxorubicin as an acceptor using excitation wavelength for GFP (395 nm) in emission wavelength of doxorubicin (590 nm) FRET was observed. This nanoconstruction may serve as a double‐labeled transporter of doxorubicin guided by force of external magnetic force owing to the presence of nanomaghemite. Further nanomaghemite offers the possibility of using this technology for thermotherapy.     

Synchronization of Two Assembly Processes To Build Responsive DNA Nanostructures

Herein, we report a strategy for the synchronization of two self‐assembly processes to assemble stimulus‐responsive DNA nanostructures under isothermal conditions. We hypothesized that two independent assembly processes, when brought into proximity in space, could be synchronized and would exhibit positive synergy. To demonstrate this strategy, we assembled a ladderlike DNA nanostructure and a ringlike DNA nanostructure through two hybridization chain reactions (HCRs) and an HCR in combination with T‐junction cohesion, respectively. Such proximity‐induced synchronization adds a new element to the tool box of DNA nanotechnology. We believe that it will be a useful approach for the assembly of complex and responsive nanostructures.     

DNA Nanotechnology on Live Cell Membranes

Recent developments in DNA nanotechnology have brought various nanoscale structures,devices and functional systems for different applications.As biological barriers with significant functions,cell membranes proide direct interfaces for studying cellular environment and states.So far,DNA nanotechnology engineered on live cell membranes has advanced our fundamental understandings of DNA nanomaterials and facilitated the designs of novel sensing,imaging and therapeutic platforms.In this review,we highlighted strategies and outcomes of using DNA nanotechnology on cell membranes towards various biomedical applications,including biosensing,imaging,cellular function regulations and targeted cancer therapy.Furthermore,we also discussed the challenges and opportunities of DNA nanotechnology on cell membranes towards broader applications.     

Directed Self‐Assembly of DNA Tiles into Complex Nanocages

Tile‐based self‐assembly is a powerful method in DNA nanotechnology and has produced a wide range of well‐defined nanostructures. But the resulting structures are relatively simple. Increasing the structural complexity and the scope of the accessible structures is an outstanding challenge in molecular self‐assembly. A strategy to partially address this problem by introducing flexibility into assembling DNA tiles and employing directing agents to control the self‐assembly process is presented. To demonstrate this strategy, a range of DNA nanocages have been rationally designed and constructed. Many of them can not be assembled otherwise. All of the resulting structures have been thoroughly characterized by gel electrophoresis and cryogenic electron microscopy. This strategy greatly expands the scope of accessible DNA nanostructures and would facilitate technological applications such as nanoguest encapsulation, drug delivery, and nanoparticle organization.     

Light-Activated Assembly of DNA Origami into Dissipative Fibrils

Hierarchical DNA nanostructures offer programmable functions at scale, but making these structures dynamic, while keeping individual components intact, is challenging. Here we show that the DNA A-motif—protonated, self-complementary poly(adenine) sequences—can propagate DNA origami into one-dimensional, micron-length fibrils. When coupled to a small molecule pH regulator, visible light can activate the hierarchical assembly of our DNA origami into dissipative fibrils. This system is recyclable and does not require DNA modification. By employing a modular and waste-free strategy to assemble and disassemble hierarchical structures built from DNA origami, we offer a facile and accessible route to developing well-defined, dynamic, and large DNA assemblies with temporal control. As a general tool, we envision that coupling the A-motif to cycles of dissipative protonation will allow the transient construction of diverse DNA nanostructures, finding broad applications in dynamic and non-equilibrium nanotechnology.     

Biomimetic DNA Nanotubes: Nanoscale Channel Design and Applications

Biomacromolecular nanotubes play important physiological roles in transmembrane ion/molecule channeling, intracellular transport, and inter‐cellular communications. While genetically encoded protein nanotubes are prevalent in vivo, the in vitro construction of biomimetic DNA nanotubes has attracted intense interest with the rise of structural DNA nanotechnology. The abiotic use of DNA assembly provides a powerful bottom‐up approach for the rational construction of complex materials with arbitrary size and shape at the nanoscale. More specifically, a typical DNA nanotube can be assembled either with parallel‐aligned DNA duplexes or by closing DNA tile lattices. These artificial DNA nanotubes can be tailored and site‐specifically modified to realize biomimetic functions including ionic or molecular channeling, bioreactors, drug delivery, and biomolecular sensing. In this Minireview, we aim to summarize recent advances in design strategies, including the characterization and applications of biomimetic DNA nanotubes.     

Spatiotemporal Control over Polynucleotide Brush Growth on DNA Origami Nanostructures

DNA nanotechnology provides an approach to create precise, tunable, and biocompatible nanostructures for biomedical applications. However, the stability of these structures is severely compromised in biological milieu due to their fast degradation by nucleases. Recently, we showed how enzymatic polymerization could be harnessed to grow polynucleotide brushes of tunable length and location on the surface of DNA origami nanostructures, which greatly enhances their nuclease stability. Here, we report on strategies that allow for both spatial and temporal control over polymerization through activatable initiation, cleavage, and regeneration of polynucleotide brushes using restriction enzymes. The ability to site-specifically decorate DNA origami nanostructures with polynucleotide brushes in a spatiotemporally controlled way provides access to “smart” functionalized DNA architectures with potential applications in drug delivery and supramolecular assembly.