Advancements in Aptamer‐Driven DNA Nanostructures for Precision Drug Delivery

• Published in: Advanced science 2024-07, Vol.11 (26), p.e2401617-n/a
• Main Authors: Safarkhani, Moein, Ahmadi, Sepideh, Ipakchi, Hossein, Saeb, Mohammad Reza, Makvandi, Pooyan, Ebrahimi Warkiani, Majid, Rabiee, Navid, Huh, YunSuk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aptamers; Aptamers, Nucleotide - chemistry; DNA - chemistry; DNA nanostructures; DNA origami; DNA Tetrahedral; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Enzymes; Genetic testing; Humans; key‐like ligand of nanocarrier; Nanostructures - chemistry; Nanotechnology; Physiology; Review; Temperature
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401617

DNA nanostructures exhibit versatile geometries and possess sophisticated capabilities not found in other nanomaterials. They serve as customizable nanoplatforms for orchestrating the spatial arrangement of molecular components, such as biomolecules, antibodies, or synthetic nanomaterials. This is achieved by incorporating oligonucleotides into the design of the nanostructure. In the realm of drug delivery to cancer cells, there is a growing interest in active targeting assays to enhance efficacy and selectivity. The active targeting approach involves a “key‐lock” mechanism where the carrier, through its ligand, recognizes specific receptors on tumor cells, facilitating the release of drugs. Various DNA nanostructures, including DNA origami, Tetrahedral, nanoflower, cruciform, nanostar, nanocentipede, and nanococklebur, can traverse the lipid layer of the cell membrane, allowing cargo delivery to the nucleus. Aptamers, easily formed in vitro, are recognized for their targeted delivery capabilities due to their high selectivity for specific targets and low immunogenicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the formation and modification of aptamer‐modified DNA nanostructures within drug delivery systems. The review explores developments of aptamer‐driven DNA nanostructures for targeted drug delivery. DNA nanostructures, featuring tailorable platforms, integrate oligonucleotides to orchestrate molecular arrangements. Active targeting assays improve therapeutics delivery to cancerous cells by a “key‐lock” mechanism. DNA nanostructures efficient cell membrane penetration, and provide cargo delivering to the nucleus. Aptamers, with low immunogenicity and high selectivity, play an undeniable role in site‐specific delivery.