NucleoCraft: The Art of Stimuli-Responsive Precision in DNA and RNA Bioengineering
Yu Lu, Liangxiao Chen, Deeksha Satyabola, Abhay Prasad, Hao Yan
Abstract
Recent advancements in DNA and RNA bioengineering have paved the way for developing stimuli-responsive nanostructures with remarkable potential across various applications. These nanostructures, crafted through sophisticated bioengineering techniques, can dynamically and precisely respond to both physiological and physical stimuli, including nucleic acids (DNA/RNA), adenosine triphosphate, proteins, ions, small molecules, pH, light, and temperature. They offer high sensitivity and specificity, making them ideal for applications such as biomarker detection, gene therapy, and controlled targeted drug delivery. In this review, we summarize the bioengineering methods used to assemble versatile stimuli-responsive DNA/RNA nanostructures and discuss their emerging applications in structural biology and biomedicine, including biosensing, targeted drug delivery, and therapeutics. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities in the rational design of these intelligent bioengineered nanostructures.