Novel DNA nanoflower biosensing technologies towards next-generation molecular diagnostics

DNA nanoflowers (DNFs) are topological flower-like nanostructures based on ultralong-strand DNA and inorganic metal-ion frameworks. Because of their programmability, biocompatibility, and controllable assembly size for specific responses to molecular recognition stimuli, DNFs are powerful biosensing tools for detecting biomolecules. Here, we review the current state of DNF-based biosensing strategies for in vivo and in vitro detection, with a view of how the field has evolved towards molecular diagnostics. We also provide a detailed classification of DNF-based biosensing strategies and propose their future utility. Particularly as transduction elements, DNFs can accelerate biosensing engineering by signal amplification. Finally, we discuss the key challenges and further prospects of DNF-based biosensing technologies in developing applications of a broader scope.