Theranostics 2016; 6(5):710-725. doi:10.7150/thno.14203 This issue Cite
Review
1. Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Translational Research, National Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Biomedicine, CRO Aviano (PN), Via Franco Gallini, 2, Aviano 33081 - PN - Italy;
2. Doctoral School in Nanotechnology, University of Trieste, Italy.
* Authors equal contribution
DNA nanotechnology is an emerging and exciting field, and represents a forefront frontier for the biomedical field. The specificity of the interactions between complementary base pairs makes DNA an incredible building material for programmable and very versatile two- and three-dimensional nanostructures called DNA origami. Here, we analyze the DNA origami and DNA-based nanostructures as a drug delivery system. Besides their physical-chemical nature, we dissect the critical factors such as stability, loading capability, release and immunocompatibility, which mainly limit in vivo applications. Special attention was dedicated to highlighting the boundaries to be overcome to bring DNA nanostructures closer to the bedside of patients.
Keywords: Nanomedicine, Nanotechnology, Cancer, Drug delivery, Doxorubicin, Self-assembly, DNA, Origami.