DNA-Encoded Nanomaterials with Controllable Properties

DNA as an attractive capping ligand or template has been extensively utilized for synthesizing nanomaterials, and fabricating nano-systems with tuneable properties. This review aims to summarize related significant progress on DNA-encoded nanomaterials and their controllable properties including catalysis, surface plasmon resonance, chirality, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence, moreover, to present the underlying clues to engineer nanomaterials with DNA on the basis of DNA-metal ion and DNA-nanomaterial interactions. The apparent utility of diverse DNA modules including DNA homopolymers (e.g., poly adenine), secondary structures (e.g., triplex) and DNA nanostructures (e.g., DNA origami), etc., is revealed, which is derived from their strong specific interactions, stimulus-responsive features, or excellent addressable functions, etc. Accompanied by insight into the underlying mechanism of DNA-participated interactions, it is anticipated that, new DNA-encoded nanomaterials will be reported and contribute to exploration of intelligent nanocatalysts, nanoprobes and nanomedicines.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the significant progress in DNA-encoded nanomaterials and their controllable properties, and presents the engineering methods based on DNA-metal ion and DNA-nanomaterial interactions. The study reveals the advantages of DNA modules in terms of strong specific interactions, stimulus-responsive features, and addressable functions.