Applications of DNA origami in biomedicine: advances, challenges, and prospects

DNA serves as a fundamental carrier of genetic information, and its unique properties allow it to be used as a versatile structural component for the engineering and self-assembly of nanostructures. The advent of DNA templates has significantly improved self-assembled DNA nanostructures, and this progress is particularly evident in the field of DNA nanotechnology, especially in DNA origami, which is highly effective for the bottom-up synthesis of precisely defined nanostructures that range in size from tens of nanometers to sub-micrometers. The remarkable capabilities of DNA origami open up numerous possibilities in the context of biomedical applications. These applications include drug delivery systems, vaccine development, tissue engineering, targeted disease therapies, clinical diagnostics, and advanced bioimaging techniques. This review highlights the significance and benefits of employing DNA origami in the programming and fabrication of DNA nanostructures, showcasing its potential impacts in various domains. The challenges associated with DNA nanotechnology are also examined, and possible solutions are considered to facilitate advancements in the field. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of the current and potential biomedical applications of DNA origami is presented. The review concludes with reflections on the future perspectives of DNA origami, highlighting its importance and potential growth in various scientific and medical fields.