Nanotechnology – a backbone for higher level DNA structures

Nanotechnology has been studied for more than a decade. There are already few examples of nano techniques and structures that are worth the read. DNA origami is a bottom-up nanofabrication approach in which long single-stranded DNA (scaffold DNA) is folded into precisely-defined shapes with the help of a set of short “strands” designed to be complementary to exact parts of the scaffold DNA strand. Briefly, DNA origami involves the folding of long, single-stranded DNA molecules into a desired shape using a series of many short, synthetic oligonucleotides (staples) that bind to specific regions of the scaffold and thus resulting in nanostructures from thousands of single DNA molecules due to high folding.

DNA brick nanostructures assembly. Photos: Nature, ScieTechDaily

This self-assembly process allows for the creation of complex, programmable nano structures with a high degree of precision and control.

One of the key advantages of DNA origami is its ability to incorporate a wide range of molecular components, including proteins, nucleic acids, and nanoparticles, into the structure.

With the development of DNA origami assembly technology over the past decade, the focus of attention in this field has turned from the construction of sophisticated and beautiful 3D structures, like a "Teddy Bear 🧸 " or a "Smiley Face " to transition for functionality - the fabrication of higher-order functional structures as powerful tools to explore problems and find solutions in fields like physics, biophysics, biology and computer science. At the heart of all these applications lies the precise control of biomolecules by DNA origami scaffolds in these higher-order structures.

Key Parameters in DNA Origami:

Control: To achieve precise control over the number of biomolecules a defined number of handles is attached to the DNA template to catch specific biomolecules.

Functional incorporation: DNA origami can integrate proteins, nucleic acids, and nanoparticles, creating multifunctional nano devices with high specificity.

Dynamic Structures: Incorporating responsive elements like aptamers or DNAzymes enables the creation of DNA origami structures that respond to stimuli, such as pH changes or specific molecules, enhancing applications in drug delivery and biosensing.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Medicine and Biology: Highlight on DNA Origami

DNA origami can be used to study the interaction between molecules and proteins at the nanoscale, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of disease and the development of new treatments. By manipulating the folding patterns of DNA origami structures, it is possible to control the spatial arrangement of proteins and other molecules, allowing researchers to study their interactions in a highly controlled environment.

Biological Applications:

1. Targeted Delivery: DNA origami nanostructures can target specific cells or tissues and deliver therapeutic agents, showing promise in treating cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases.

2. Molecular Interactions: By manipulating the folding patterns of DNA origami, researchers can control the spatial arrangement of proteins and other molecules, providing insights into disease mechanisms and new treatments.

3. Nanoscale Sensors: DNA nanotechnology is used to develop sensors for detecting specific molecules or environmental changes, aiding in real-time biological process monitoring. They can detect specific molecules or changes in the environment. For example, researchers have developed nanoparticles that can detect glucose levels in the blood, which could be useful for managing diabetes.

Interdisciplinary Impact

There is an interdisciplinary impact of DNA nanotechnology in our lifes that bridges physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, enabling scientists to tackle complex problems in technology and medicine. The field has explored applications in material assembly, structural biology, biocatalysis, DNA computing, nanorobotics, disease diagnosis, and drug delivery.

In Medicine, one of the main usage is for tissue, skin and muscle engineering. They also attract tremendous attentions when they serve as nanocarriers. Compared with traditional nanoparticles, they are more variform for the following reasons: (1) flexible joints because every strand of DNA-based nanostructures can be concatenated or linked with an extended arm; (2) abundant binding sites, as the assembly of DNA frameworks provides a hollow internal space for drug molecules; (3) negative charge, so that positive-charged substances can be integrated with them under electrostatic attraction. In this context, studies started applying them as nanoscale vehicles to transport various drugs into cellular focal sites for a desired efficacy.

There are other examples that demostrate the development of Nanotechnology field other than DNA origami which I would like to introduce for future exploration and to demostrate the huge application of this methods:

Nanotubes: Nanotubes are cylindrical structures made from materials like carbon or DNA. Example: Carbon nanotubes can be used to strengthen materials, making them lighter and stronger. In medicine, DNA nanotubes can help in delivering drugs to specific parts of the body, much like tiny pipes that carry medicine directly to where it's needed.

Nanorobots: Tiny robots made from DNA or other nanomaterials that can perform specific tasks at the nanoscale. Example: Researchers are developing DNA nanorobots that can identify and destroy cancer cells. These nanorobots can recognize cancer cells and deliver drugs directly to them, acting like tiny surgeons working at a microscopic level.

Nanosponges: Nanosponges are tiny particles that can absorb and neutralize toxins. Example: In cases of bacterial infections, nanosponges can soak up toxins produced by bacteria, neutralizing them and helping the immune system to fight the infection more effectively. It’s like having a tiny sponge that can clean up harmful substances in your body.

Lipid Nanoparticles: Small particles made from fats that can carry and deliver RNA or DNA. Example: Lipid nanoparticles were crucial in the delivery of mRNA in COVID-19 vaccines. They protected the mRNA and helped it enter human cells to produce the necessary immune response, showcasing how nanotechnology can play a pivotal role in modern medicine.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Tiny particles that can be controlled using magnetic fields. Example: Magnetic nanoparticles can be directed to specific parts of the body using external magnets. For instance, they can be used to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to a tumor, reducing the harmful effects on healthy cells.

These scaffolded nanostructures illustrate how tiny, precisely designed structures can have significant impacts on medicine, technology, and everyday life, making complex scientific concepts both fascinating and accessible to the public.

Despite rapid advancements, critical challenges remain in fully realizing the potential of DNA nanotechnology. Future research should focus on ensuring DNA nanostructures maintain their integrity during application, enhancing integration of other particles to ensure targeting and therapeutic effects, improving the development DNA origami structures that can transform in response to external signals for controlled release and advanced applications in photonics, electronics, and artificial enzyme reaction networks. All of the above eventually shows that scientist, engineers and physicians must work on integrating this vast advancement made in research and paperwork in practice.

In conclusion, DNA origami represents a powerful tool for understanding the complex interactions between molecules and proteins at the nanoscale, and for developing targeted treatments for a wide range of diseases.

Using this highly folded nanostructure, insights into proteins, interactions between molecules and more can be better and faster understood. This increases the rates of finding treatment options for solutions or what are the things inside a structure that causes those diseases thus have target zones for inspection and treatment.