Stability of DNA Origami Nanostructures in Physiological Media: The Role of Molecular Interactions

Programmable, custom-shaped, and nanometer-precise DNA origami nanostructures have rapidly emerged as prospective and versatile tools in bionanotechnology and biomedicine. Despite tremendous progress in their utilization in these fields, essential questions related to their structural stability under physiological conditions remain unanswered. Here, DNA origami stability is explored by strictly focusing on distinct molecular-level interactions. In this regard, the fundamental stabilizing and destabilizing ionic interactions as well as interactions involving various enzymes and other proteins are discussed, and their role in maintaining, modulating, or decreasing the structural integrity and colloidal stability of DNA origami nanostructures is summarized. Additionally, specific issues demanding further investigation are identified. This review - through its specific viewpoint - may serve as a primer for designing new, stable DNA objects and for adapting their use in applications dealing with physiological media.

Automated summary

Programmable, custom-shaped, and nanometer-precise DNA origami nanostructures have been widely used in bionanotechnology and biomedicine. This review focuses on the structural stability of DNA origami under physiological conditions, exploring the molecular-level interactions and summarizing the role of different interactions in maintaining or changing the integrity and stability of DNA origami nanostructures. It also identifies specific areas that require further investigation. This review provides a primer for designing stable DNA objects and using them in applications involving physiological media.