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DNA nanomaterials have been widely employed for various biomedical applications. With rapid development of chemical modification of nucleic acid, serials of stimuli‐responsive elements are included in the multifunctional DNA nanomaterials. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in light responsive DNA nanomaterials based on photocleavage/photodecage, photoisomerization, and photocrosslinking for efficient bioimaging (including imaging of small molecule, microRNA, and protein) and drug delivery (including delivery of small molecule, nucleic acid, and gene editing system). We also discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives of the light responsive DNA nanomaterials in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system has been exploited as an efficient gene editing tool with precise site specificity and high efficiency; the delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system is critical for the efficacy of therapeutics and remains challenging. DNA nanomaterials are widely utilized as promising delivery carriers for gene agents because of their excellent molecular recognition capabilities, sequence programmability, and biocompatibility. Herein, recent advances in DNA nanomaterials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas systems are summarized. Based on their construction strategy, DNA nanomaterial‐based carriers are categorized as branched DNA‐based nanostructures or rolling circle amplification (RCA)‐based DNA nanostructures. Representative studies on the design of DNA nanomaterials as CRISPR/Cas system delivery carriers are highlighted. The current challenges and opportunities for the development of DNA nanomaterials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas systems are also discussed. It is envisioned that with the development of DNA nanotechnology, DNA nanomaterials will open up new possibilities for CRISPR/Cas‐based therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA nanoparticles hold great promise for a range of biological applications, including the development of cutting-edge treatments and diagnostic tests. Their subnanometer-level addressability enables precise, specific modifications with a variety of chemical and biological entities, making them ideal as diagnostic instruments and carriers for targeted delivery. This paper focuses on the potential of DNA nanomaterials, which offer scalability, programmability, and functionality. For example, they can be engineered to provide highly specific biosensing and bioimaging capabilities and show promise as a platform for disease diagnosis and treatment. Successful operation of various biomedical nanomaterials has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. However, there are still significant challenges to overcome, including the need to improve the scalability and reliability of the technology, and to ensure safety in clinical applications. We discuss these challenges and opportunities in detail and highlight the progress and prospects of DNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a constant and urgent need to upgrade the current diagnostic technologies to the next generation by utilizing innovative advanced technologies in order to meet new challenges. Micro/nano technology, a series of methods for design and manipulation materials at the micrometer and nanometer scales, which perfectly covers the key building blocks of life including cells, organelles, proteins, nucleic acids, and other components, has unique advantages over current diagnostic methods. For the applications of micro–nano technology in next‐generation diagnostics, three categories, including microchip‐based devices, DNA nanomachines, and DNA nanomaterials, are extensively reviewed. Specifically, for the microchip‐based devices, terahertz technology and surface acoustic wave technology show their ultrasensitivity of label‐free, amplification‐free diagnosis. For the DNA nanomachines, DNA tweezers, DNA robots, and DNA walkers exhibit a great potential for diagnosis with the arbitrary structures and controllable motion behaviors. For the DNA nanomaterials, DNA aptamers, DNAzymes, and hybrid DNA nanomaterials provide sensitive biorecognition elements and versatile signal transductions, which are demonstrated as promising material candidates for the next‐generation diagnostics. Through this review, it is envisioned that micro/nano technologies will play an important role in the next‐generation diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Freestanding ultrathin nano-membranes (FUN-membranes) are two-dimensional materials of nanoscale thickness (less than 100nm) with little or no substrate support. Recently, there has been an emerging interest to rationally design such membranes for a broad spectrum of appealing applications ranging from lightweight, foldable electronic devices to highly efficient separation and sensing systems. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent developments of FUN-membranes fabricated via an assortment of bottom-up self-assembly strategies. In particular, we will describe the various fabrication methods, characterization approaches, as well as the properties and applications of FUN-membrane materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

DNA nanostructures are emerging as a versatile platform for controlled drug delivery as a result of recent progress in production yield and strategies to obtain prolonged stability in biological environments. The construction of nanostructures from this unique biomaterial provides unparalleled control over structural and functional parameters. Recent applications of DNA origami-based nanocarriers for therapeutic drug delivery in preclinical phases highlight them as promising alternatives to conventional nanomaterials, as they benefit from the inherent favorable properties of DNA including biocompatibility and precise spatial addressability. By incorporating targeting aptamers and responsive properties into the nanocarrier design, more selective DNA origami-based nanocarriers are successfully prepared. On the other hand, current systems remain poorly understood in terms of biodistribution, final fate, and controlled drug release. As such, advances are needed to translate this material platform in its full potential for therapeutic applications. [Display omitted] • Advances in prolonged stability of DNA origami allow biomedical applications. • Drug delivery can benefit from the high programmability and biocompatibility of DNA. • Targeting aptamers and responsive drug release enhance drug selectivity. • DNA origami biodistribution and controlled drug release need better understanding. • Surprisingly, DNA origami nanostructure production costs will not hinder translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]