Lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates for simple and efficient cell membrane engineering and bioanalysis

Cell membrane modification is important for tissue engineering, cell-based therapies, and cell biology studies. Recently, oligonucleotides have attracted considerable attention to remodel and functionalize live cell membranes. In particular, a type of amphiphilic lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates have been rationally designed and synthesized for this purpose. These conjugates have enabled a rapid, straightforward, and efficient cell membrane modification. Taking advantage of highly precise and programmable self-assembly of DNAs and RNAs, lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates have been used for membrane bioanalysis, therapeutics, building artificial membrane structures, and regulating cell-surface and cell-cell interactions. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in the design, synthesis, and regulating membrane properties of lipid-oligonucleotide conjugates. In addition, their state-of-the-art applications in cell membrane engineering and bioanalysis have been illustrated.