Selective in Situ Assembly of Viral Protein onto DNA Origami

Recent Advances in DNA-Templated Protein Patterning

In recent decades, the advancement of DNA nanotechnology enables precise nanoscale organization of diverse functional materials with DNA templates. Particularly, a variety of DNA-templated protein patterns are constructed as powerful tools for programming biomimetic protein complexes. In this review, recent progress in DNA-templated protein patterning, including cutting-edge methods for arranging proteins with DNA templates, and protein patterns across varying dimensions are briefly summarized. Representative applications in biological analysis and biomedicine are discussed. DNA-protein patterns with programmable dynamics, which hold promise in precision diagnosis and therapeutics are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and opportunities in the fabrication and application of DNA-templated protein pattering are discussed.

A versatile approach for geometry-based self-assembly of DNA-protein hybrid nanostructures using histone-DNA interactions

We report an enhanced versatility in constructing DNA-protein hybrid nanostructures using histone-DNA complexes (HDs). By leveraging HDs, we demonstrate precise and scalable assembly of DNA origami tiles and a 2D triangular nanostructure. Our results extend the potential applications of DNA nanotechnology from the nanoscale to the microscale without the need for complex pre-designs.

Strategies and Applications for Supramolecular Protein Self-Assembly

Supramolecular chemistry achieves higher-order molecular self-assembly through non-covalent interactions. Utilizing supramolecular methods to explore the polymorphism of proteins, the building blocks of life, from a "bottom-up" perspective is essential for constructing diverse and functional biomaterials. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the design strategies and functional applications of supramolecular protein self-assembly, becoming a focal point for researchers. This paper reviews classical supramolecular strategies driving protein self-assembly, including electrostatic interactions, metal coordination, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, host-guest interactions, and other mechanisms. We discuss how these supramolecular interactions regulate protein assembly processes and highlight protein supramolecular assemblies' unique structural and functional advantages in constructing artificial photosynthetic systems, protein hydrogels, bio-delivery systems, and other functional materials. The enormous potential and significance of supramolecular protein materials are elucidated. Finally, the challenges in preparing and applying protein supramolecular assemblies are summarized, and future development directions are projected.

Directionally co-immobilizing glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase on three-pronged DNA scaffold and the regulation of cascade activity

In traditional multienzyme random co-immobilization, it is difficult to precisely locate and regulate the relative positions between two enzyme molecules, resulting in low cascade efficiency between the two enzymes and limiting the application of multienzyme cascade catalysis technology. This study prepared PVAC@Y-dsDNA@GOD/HRP magnetic co-immobilized multienzyme by constructing a three-pronged DNA scaffold for co-coupling glucose oxidase (GOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which achieved directional co-immobilization of dual enzymes and precise regulation of inter-enzyme distance. Compared with traditional random co-immobilization of multienzyme, PVAC@Y-dsDNA@GOD/HRP could shorten the distance between GOD and HRP to the nanoscale and form substrate channeling, which greatly improved the cascade activity between the two enzymes. The inter-enzyme spacing between GOD and HRP could be precisely regulated by changing the length of DNA strands. When the inter-enzyme spacing was 10.08 nm, PVAC@Y-dsDNA@GOD/HRP exhibited high cascade activity of 707 U/mg. The inter-enzyme spacing that was too large or too small would reduce the cascade activity, indicating a distance-dependence of multienzyme cascade activity. PVAC@Y-dsDNA@GOD/HRP showed good reusability, indicating that the three-pronged DNA scaffold constructed by DNA double strands hybridization could firmly immobilize enzyme on carrier, with less enzyme leakage.

Enzyme Cascade Electrode Reactions with Nanomaterials and Their Applicability towards Biosensor and Biofuel Cells

Nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, metal-organic frameworks, metal nanoparticles, and porous carbon, play a crucial role as efficient carriers to enhance enzyme activity through substrate channeling while improving enzyme stability and reusability. However, there are significant debates surrounding aspects such as enzyme orientation, enzyme loading, retention of enzyme activity, and immobilization techniques. Consequently, these subjects have become the focus of intensive research in the realm of multi-enzyme cascade reactions. Researchers have undertaken the challenge of creating functional in vitro multi-enzyme systems, drawing inspiration from natural multi-enzyme processes within living organisms. Substantial progress has been achieved in designing multi-step reactions that harness the synthetic capabilities of various enzymes, particularly in applications such as biomarker detection (e.g., biosensors) and the development of biofuel cells. This review provides an overview of recent developments in concurrent and sequential approaches involving two or more enzymes in sequence. It delves into the intricacies of multi-enzyme cascade reactions conducted on nanostructured electrodes, addressing both the challenges encountered and the innovative solutions devised in this field.

Minimalist Design of Wireframe DNA Nanotubes: Tunable Geometry, Size, Chirality, and Dynamics

DNA nanotubes (NTs) have attracted extensive interest as artificial cytoskeletons for biomedical, synthetic biology, and materials applications. Here, we report the modular design and assembly of a minimalist yet robust DNA wireframe nanotube with tunable cross-sectional geometry, cavity size, chirality, and length, while using only four DNA strands. We introduce an h-motif structure incorporating double-crossover (DX) tile-like DNA edges to achieve structural rigidity and provide efficient self-assembly of h-motif-based DNA nanotube (H-NT) units, thus producing programmable, micrometer-long nanotubes. We demonstrate control of the H-NT nanotube length via short DNA modulators. Finally, we use an enzyme, RNase H, to take these structures out of equilibrium and trigger nanotube assembly at a physiologically relevant temperature, underlining future cellular applications. The minimalist H-NTs can assemble at near-physiological salt conditions and will serve as an easily synthesized, DNA-economical modular template for biosensors, plasmonics, or other functional materials and as cost-efficient drug-delivery vehicles for biomedical applications.

Advanced applications of DNA nanostructures dominated by DNA origami in antitumor drug delivery

DNA origami is a cutting-edge DNA self-assembly technique that neatly folds DNA strands and creates specific structures based on the complementary base pairing principle. These innovative DNA origami nanostructures provide numerous benefits, including lower biotoxicity, increased stability, and superior adaptability, making them an excellent choice for transporting anti-tumor agents. Furthermore, they can considerably reduce side effects and improve therapy success by offering precise, targeted, and multifunctional drug delivery system. This comprehensive review looks into the principles and design strategies of DNA origami, providing valuable insights into this technology's latest research achievements and development trends in the field of anti-tumor drug delivery. Additionally, we review the key function and major benefits of DNA origami in cancer treatment, some of these approaches also involve aspects related to DNA tetrahedra, aiming to provide novel ideas and effective solutions to address drug delivery challenges in cancer therapy.

Preparation and Biological Properties of Oligonucleotide-Functionalized Virus-like Particles

Oligonucleotides are powerful molecules for programming function and assembly. When arrayed on nanoparticle scaffolds in high density, the resulting molecules, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), become imbued with unique properties. We used the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition to graft oligonucleotides on Qβ virus-like particles to see if such structures also gain SNA-like behavior. Copper-binding ligands were shown to promote the click reaction without degrading oligonucleotide substrates. Reactions were first optimized with a small-molecule fluorogenic reporter and were then applied to the more challenging synthesis of polyvalent protein nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates. The resulting particles exhibited the enhanced cellular uptake and protection from nuclease-mediated oligonucleotide cleavage characteristic of SNAs, had similar residence time in the liver relative to unmodified particles, and were somewhat shielded from immune recognition, resulting in nearly 10-fold lower antibody titers relative to unmodified particles. Oligonucleotide-functionalized virus-like particles thus provide an interesting option for protein nanoparticle-mediated delivery of functional molecules.

Recent Advances in DNA Origami-Engineered Nanomaterials and Applications

DNA nanotechnology is a unique field, where physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and materials science can elegantly converge. Since the original proposal of Nadrian Seeman, significant advances have been achieved in the past four decades. During this glory time, the DNA origami technique developed by Paul Rothemund further pushed the field forward with a vigorous momentum, fostering a plethora of concepts, models, methodologies, and applications that were not thought of before. This review focuses on the recent progress in DNA origami-engineered nanomaterials in the past five years, outlining the exciting achievements as well as the unexplored research avenues. We believe that the spirit and assets that Seeman left for scientists will continue to bring interdisciplinary innovations and useful applications to this field in the next decade.

Co-Immobilization of GOD & HRP on Y-Shaped DNA Scaffold and the Regulation of Inter-Enzyme Distance

In multienzymes cascade reaction, the inter-enzyme spacing is supposed to be a factor affecting the cascade activity. Here, a simple and efficient Y-shaped DNA scaffold is assembled using two partially complementary DNA single strands on magnetic microspheres, which is used to coimmobilize glucose oxidase (GOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). As a result, on poly(vinyl acetate) magnetic microspheres (PVAC), GOD/HRP-DNA@PVAC multienzyme system is obtained, which can locate GOD and HRP accurately and control the inter-enzyme distance precisely. The distance between GOD and HRP is regulated by changing the length of DNA strand. It showed that the cascade activity is significantly distance-dependent. Moreover, the inter-enzyme spacing is not the closer the better, and too short distance would generate steric hindrance between enzymes. The cascade activity reached the maximum value of 967 U mg^-1 at 13.6 nm, which is 3.5 times higher than that of free enzymes. This is ascribed to the formation of substrate channeling.

Programming rigidity into size-defined wireframe DNA nanotubes

Nanotubes built from DNA hold promise for several biological and materials applications, due to their high aspect ratio and encapsulation potential. A particularly appealing goal is to control the size, shape, and dynamic behaviour of DNA nanotubes with minimal design alteration, as nanostructures of varying morphologies and lengths have been shown to exhibit distinct cellular uptake, encapsulation behaviour, and in vivo biodistribution. Herein, we report a systematic investigation, combining experimental and computational design, to modulate the length, flexibility, and longitudinal patterns of wireframe DNA nanotubes. Subtle design changes govern the structure and properties of our nanotubes, which are built from a custom-made, long, and size-defined template strand to which DNA rungs and linkers are attached. Unlike DNA origami, these custom-made strands possess regions with repeating sequences at strategic locations, thereby reducing the number of strands necessary for assembly. Through strand displacement, the nanotubes can be reversibly altered between extended and collapsed morphologies. These design concepts enable fine-tuning of the nanotube stiffness and may pave the way for the development of designer nanotubes for a variety of applications, including the study of cellular internalization, biodistribution, and uptake mechanisms for structures of varied shapes and sizes.

Self-Assembled Artificial DNA Nanocompartments and Their Bioapplications

Compartmentalization is the strategy evolved by nature to control reactions in space and time. The ability to emulate this strategy through synthetic compartmentalization systems has rapidly evolved in the past years, accompanied by an increasing understanding of the effects of spatial confinement on the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the guest molecules. DNA nanotechnology has played a pivotal role in this scientific endeavor and is still one of the most promising approaches for the construction of nanocompartments with programmable structural features and nanometer-scaled addressability. In this review, the design approaches, bioapplications, and theoretical frameworks of self-assembled DNA nanocompartments are surveyed. From DNA polyhedral cages to virus-like capsules, the construction principles of such intriguing architectures are illustrated. Various applications of DNA nanocompartments, including their use for programmable enzyme scaffolding, single-molecule studies, biosensing, and as artificial nanofactories, ending with an ample description of DNA nanocages for biomedical purposes, are then reported. Finally, the theoretical hypotheses that make DNA nanocompartments, and nanosystems in general, a topic of great interest in modern science, are described and the progresses that have been done until now in the comprehension of the peculiar phenomena that occur within nanosized environments are summarized.

Engineer RNA-Protein Nanowires as Light-Responsive Biomaterials

RNA molecules have emerged as increasingly attractive biomaterials with important applications such as RNA interference (RNAi) for cancer treatment and mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases. However, it remains challenging to engineer RNA biomaterials with sophisticated functions such as non-covalent light-switching ability. Herein, light-responsive RNA-protein nanowires are engineered to have such functions. It first demonstrates that the high affinity of RNA aptamer enables the formation of long RNA-protein nanowires through designing a dimeric RNA aptamer and an engineered green fluorescence protein (GFP) that contains two TAT-derived peptides at N- and C- termini. GFP is then replaced with an optogenetic protein pair system, LOV2 (light-oxygen-voltage) protein and its binding partner ZDK (Z subunit of protein A), to confer blue light-controlled photo-switching ability. The light-responsive nanowires are long (>500 nm) in the dark, but small (20-30 nm) when exposed to light. Importantly, the co-assembly of this RNA-protein hybrid biomaterial does not rely on the photochemistry commonly used for light-responsive biomaterials, such as bond formation, cleavage, and isomerization, and is thus reversible. These RNA-protein structures can serve as a new class of light-controlled biocompatible frameworks for incorporating versatile elements such as RNA, DNA, and enzymes.

Functionalizing DNA origami to investigate and interact with biological systems

DNA origami has emerged as a powerful method to generate DNA nanostructures with dynamic properties and nanoscale control. These nanostructures enable complex biophysical studies and the fabrication of next-generation therapeutic devices. For these applications, DNA origami typically needs to be functionalized with bioactive ligands and biomacromolecular cargos. Here, we review methods developed to functionalize, purify, and characterize DNA origami nanostructures. We identify remaining challenges, such as limitations in functionalization efficiency and characterization. We then discuss where researchers can contribute to further advance the fabrication of functionalized DNA origami.

An Infectious Virus-like Particle Built on a Programmable Icosahedral DNA Framework

Viral genomes can be compressed into a near-spherical nanochamber to form infectious particles. In order to mimic the virus morphology and packaging behavior, we invented a programmable icosahedral DNA nanoframe with enhanced rigidity and encapsulated the phiX174 bacteriophage genome. The packaging efficiency could be modulated through specific anchoring strands adjustment, and the trapped phage genome remained accessible for enzymatic operations. Moreover, the packed complex could infect Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells through bacterial uptake to produce plaques. This rigid icosahedral DNA architecture demonstrated a versatile platform to develop virus mimetic particles for convenient functional nucleic acid entrapment, manipulation and delivery.

Automated design of 3D DNA origami with non-rasterized 2D curvature

Improving the precision and function of encapsulating three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanostructures via curved geometries could have transformative impacts on areas such as molecular transport, drug delivery, and nanofabrication. However, the addition of non-rasterized curvature escalates design complexity without algorithmic regularity, and these challenges have limited the ad hoc development and usage of previously unknown shapes. In this work, we develop and automate the application of a set of previously unknown design principles that now includes a multilayer design for closed and curved DNA nanostructures to resolve past obstacles in shape selection, yield, mechanical rigidity, and accessibility. We design, analyze, and experimentally demonstrate a set of diverse 3D curved nanoarchitectures, showing planar asymmetry and examining partial multilayer designs. Our automated design tool implements a combined algorithmic and numerical approximation strategy for scaffold routing and crossover placement, which may enable wider applications of general DNA nanostructure design for nonregular or oblique shapes.

Artificial Nucleobase-Directed Programmable Synthesis and Assembly of Amphiphilic Nucleic Acids as an All-in-One Platform for Cation-Free siRNA Delivery

Efficient transport of nucleic acid therapeutics into targeted cells is the key step of genetic modulation in disease treatment. Nowadays, delivery systems strongly rely on cationic materials, but how to balance the trade-off between effectiveness and toxicity of these exogenous materials remains incredibly challenging. Here, we take inspiration from nucleic acid chemistry and introduce a new concept of amphiphilic nucleic acids (ANAs), as an all-in-one platform for cation-free nucleic acid delivery, by programmatically conjugating two different artifical nucleobases with sequence-independent activities. Specifically, the hydrophilic artificial nucleobases in ANAs act as both delivery vectors and therapeutic cargos for integrated benefits, while the hydrophobic nucleobases enable molecular self-assembly for improved stability and endosomal membrane oxidation for enhanced endosomal escape. By virtue of these merits, this platform is successfully used for short interference RNA (siRNA) delivery, which demonstrates a high siRNA loading capacity, rapid cellular uptake, and efficient endosomal escape, eliciting remarkable gene silencing and synergistic inhibitory effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration. This work is a case study in exploiting the basis of nucleic acid chemistry to afford new paradigms for advanced cancer theranostics.

Resolving the different bulk moduli within individual soft nanogels using small-angle neutron scattering

The bulk modulus, K, quantifies the elastic response of an object to an isotropic compression. For soft compressible colloids, knowing K is essential to accurately predict the suspension response to crowding. Most colloids have complex architectures characterized by different softness, which additionally depends on compression. Here, we determine the different values of K for the various morphological parts of individual nanogels and probe the changes of K with compression. Our method uses a partially deuterated polymer, which exerts the required isotropic stress, and small-angle neutron scattering with contrast matching to determine the form factor of the particles without any scattering contribution from the polymer. We show a clear difference in softness, compressibility, and evolution of K between the shell of the nanogel and the rest of the particle, depending on the amount of cross-linker used in their synthesis.

How Softness Matters in Soft Nanogels and Nanogel Assemblies

Softness plays a key role in determining the macroscopic properties of colloidal systems, from synthetic nanogels to biological macromolecules, from viruses to star polymers. However, we are missing a way to quantify what the term "softness" means in nanoscience. Having quantitative parameters is fundamental to compare different systems and understand what the consequences of softness on the macroscopic properties are. Here, we propose different quantities that can be measured using scattering methods and microscopy experiments. On the basis of these quantities, we review the recent literature on micro- and nanogels, i.e. cross-linked polymer networks swollen in water, a widely used model system for soft colloids. Applying our criteria, we address the question what makes a nanomaterial soft? We discuss and introduce general criteria to quantify the different definitions of softness for an individual compressible colloid. This is done in terms of the energetic cost associated with the deformation and the capability of the colloid to isotropically deswell. Then, concentrated solutions of soft colloids are considered. New definitions of softness and new parameters, which depend on the particle-to-particle interactions, are introduced in terms of faceting and interpenetration. The influence of the different synthetic routes on the softness of nanogels is discussed. Concentrated solutions of nanogels are considered and we review the recent results in the literature concerning the phase behavior and flow properties of nanogels both in three and two dimensions, in the light of the different parameters we defined. The aim of this review is to look at the results on micro- and nanogels in a more quantitative way that allow us to explain the reported properties in terms of differences in colloidal softness. Furthermore, this review can give researchers dealing with soft colloids quantitative methods to define unambiguously which softness matters in their compound.

Self-Assembled Nucleic Acid Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications

Structural DNA nanotechnology has been developed into a powerful method for creating self-assembled nanomaterials. Their compatibility with biosystems, nanoscale addressability, and programmable dynamic features make them appealing candidates for biomedical research. This review paper focuses on DNA self-assembly strategies and designer nanostructures with custom functions for biomedical applications. Specifically, we review the development of DNA self-assembly methods, from simple DNA motifs consisting of a few DNA strands to complex DNA architectures assembled by DNA origami. Three advantages are discussed using structural DNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications: (1) precise spatial control, (2) molding and guiding other biomolecules, and (3) using reconfigurable DNA nanodevices to overcome biomedical challenges. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of employing DNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications, emphasizing diverse assembly strategies to create a custom DNA nanostructure with desired functions.

Surface Functionalization of Rod-Shaped Viral Particles for Biomedical Applications

While synthetic nanoparticles play a very important role in modern medicine, concerns regarding toxicity, sustainability, stability, and dispersity are drawing increasing attention to naturally derived alternatives. Rod-shaped plant viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs) are biological nanoparticles with powerful advantages such as biocompatibility, tunable size and aspect ratio, monodispersity, and multivalency. These properties facilitate controlled biodistribution and tissue targeting for powerful applications in medicine. Ongoing research efforts focus on functionalizing or otherwise engineering these structures for a myriad of applications, including vaccines, imaging, and drug delivery. These include chemical and biological strategies for conjugation to small molecule chemical dyes, drugs, metals, polymers, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Many strategies are available and vary greatly in efficiency, modularity, selectivity, and simplicity. This review provides a comprehensive summary of VLP functionalization approaches while highlighting biomedically relevant examples. Limitations of current strategies and opportunities for further advancement will also be discussed.

Nanoscale structures and materials from the self-assembly of polypeptides and DNA

The use of biological molecules with programmable self-assembly properties is an attractive route to functional nanomaterials. Proteins and peptides have been used extensively for these systems due to their biological relevance and large number of supramolecular motifs, but it is still difficult to build highly anisotropic and programmable nanostructures due to their high complexity. Oligonucleotides, by contrast, have the advantage of programmability and reliable assembly, but lack biological and chemical diversity. In this review, we discuss systems that merge protein or peptide self-assembly with the addressability of DNA. We outline the various self-assembly motifs used, the chemistry for linking polypeptides with DNA, and the resulting nanostructures that can be formed by the interplay of these two molecules. Finally, we close by suggesting some interesting future directions in hybrid polypeptide-DNA nanomaterials, and potential applications for these exciting hybrids.

Applications of DNA-Functionalized Proteins

As an important component that constitutes all the cells and tissues of the human body, protein is involved in most of the biological processes. Inspired by natural protein systems, considerable efforts covering many discipline fields were made to design artificial protein assemblies and put them into application in recent decades. The rapid development of structural DNA nanotechnology offers significant means for protein assemblies and promotes their application. Owing to the programmability, addressability and accurate recognition ability of DNA, many protein assemblies with unprecedented structures and improved functions have been successfully fabricated, consequently creating many brand-new researching fields. In this review, we briefly introduced the DNA-based protein assemblies, and highlighted the limitations in application process and corresponding strategies in four aspects, including biological catalysis, protein detection, biomedicine treatment and other applications.

A DNA Nanoraft-Based Cytokine Delivery Platform for Alleviation of Acute Kidney Injury

Cytokine immunotherapy represents an attractive strategy to stimulate robust immune responses for renal injury repair in ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). However, its clinical application is hindered by its nonspecificity to kidney, short circulation half-life, and severe side effects. An ideal cytokine immunotherapy for AKI requires preferential delivery of cytokines with accurate dosage to the kidney and sustained-release of cytokines to stimulate the immune responses. Herein, we developed a DNA nanoraft cytokine by precisely arranging interleukin-33 (IL-33) nanoarray on rectangle DNA origami, through which IL-33 can be preferentially delivered to the kidney for alleviation of AKI. A nanoraft carrying precisely quantified IL-33 predominantly accumulated in the kidney for up to 48 h. Long-term sustained-release of IL-33 from nanoraft induced rapid expansion of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC 2s) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and achieved better treatment efficiency compared to free IL-33 treatment. Thus, our study demonstrates that a nanoraft can serve as a structurally well-defined delivery platform for cytokine immunotherapy in ischemic AKI and other renal diseases.

Nonenzymatic catalytic assembly of valency-controlled DNA architectures for nanoparticles and live cell assembly

The precise control over high-order DNA architecture assembly might be challenging due to complicated circuit design and functional unit synthesis. Here, we show an enzyme-free, catalytic assembly to construct nanometer and micrometer architectures in a bottom-up manner and applied them in nanoparticles and cell assembly.

DNA Nanotechnology-Based Biosensors and Therapeutics

Over the past few decades, DNA nanotechnology engenders a vast variety of programmable nanostructures utilizing Watson-Crick base pairing. Due to their precise engineering, unprecedented programmability, and intrinsic biocompatibility, DNA nanostructures cannot only interact with small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, and cancer cells, but also can serve as nanocarriers to deliver different therapeutic agents. Such addressability innate to DNA nanostructures enables their use in various fields of biomedical applications such as biosensors and cancer therapy. This review is begun with a brief introduction of the development of DNA nanotechnology, followed by a summary of recent applications of DNA nanostructures in biosensors and therapeutics. Finally, challenges and opportunities for practical applications of DNA nanotechnology are discussed.

A mini DNA-RNA hybrid origami nanobrick

DNA origami is typically used to fold a long single-stranded DNA scaffold into nanostructures with complex geometries using many short DNA staple strands. Integration of RNA into nucleic acid nanostructures is also possible, but has been less studied. In this research, we designed and characterized a hybrid RNA-scaffolded origami nanostructure with dimensions of ∼12 nm. We used 12 DNA staple strands to fold a 401 nt RNA scaffold into a ten-helix bundle with a honeycomb cross section. We verified the construction of the nanostructure using gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. The DNA-RNA hybrid origami showed higher resistance to ribonuclease compared to a DNA-RNA duplex control. Our work shows potential use in folding long RNA, such as messenger RNA, into origami nanostructures that can be delivered into targeted cells as medicine or a vaccine.

Designed and biologically active protein lattices

Versatile methods to organize proteins in space are required to enable complex biomaterials, engineered biomolecular scaffolds, cell-free biology, and hybrid nanoscale systems. Here, we demonstrate how the tailored encapsulation of proteins in DNA-based voxels can be combined with programmable assembly that directs these voxels into biologically functional protein arrays with prescribed and ordered two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) organizations. We apply the presented concept to ferritin, an iron storage protein, and its iron-free analog, apoferritin, in order to form single-layers, double-layers, as well as several types of 3D protein lattices. Our study demonstrates that internal voxel design and inter-voxel encoding can be effectively employed to create protein lattices with designed organization, as confirmed by in situ X-ray scattering and cryo-electron microscopy 3D imaging. The assembled protein arrays maintain structural stability and biological activity in environments relevant for protein functionality. The framework design of the arrays then allows small molecules to access the ferritins and their iron cores and convert them into apoferritin arrays through the release of iron ions. The presented study introduces a platform approach for creating bio-active protein-containing ordered nanomaterials with desired 2D and 3D organizations.

DNA origami-based protein networks: from basic construction to emerging applications

Natural living systems are driven by delicate protein networks whose functions are precisely controlled by many parameters, such as number, distance, orientation, and position. Focusing on regulation rather than just imitation, the construction of artificial protein networks is important in many research areas, including biomedicine, synthetic biology and chemical biology. DNA origami, sophisticated nanostructures with rational design, can offer predictable, programmable, and addressable scaffolds for protein assembly with nanometer precision. Recently, many interdisciplinary efforts have achieved the precise construction of DNA origami-based protein networks, and their emerging application in many areas. To inspire more fantastic research and applications, herein we highlight the applicability and potentiality of DNA origami-based protein networks. After a brief introduction to the development and features of DNA origami, some important factors for the precise construction of DNA origami-based protein networks are discussed, including protein-DNA conjugation methods, networks with different patterns and the controllable parameters in the networks. The discussion then focuses on the emerging application of DNA origami-based protein networks in several areas, including enzymatic reaction regulation, sensing, bionics, biophysics, and biomedicine. Finally, current challenges and opportunities in this research field are discussed.

Hybrid Nanoassemblies from Viruses and DNA Nanostructures

Viruses are among the most intriguing nanostructures found in nature. Their atomically precise shapes and unique biological properties, especially in protecting and transferring genetic information, have enabled a plethora of biomedical applications. On the other hand, structural DNA nanotechnology has recently emerged as a highly useful tool to create programmable nanoscale structures. They can be extended to user defined devices to exhibit a wide range of static, as well as dynamic functions. In this review, we feature the recent development of virus-DNA hybrid materials. Such structures exhibit the best features of both worlds by combining the biological properties of viruses with the highly controlled assembly properties of DNA. We present how the DNA shapes can act as "structured" genomic material and direct the formation of virus capsid proteins or be encapsulated inside symmetrical capsids. Tobacco mosaic virus-DNA hybrids are discussed as the examples of dynamic systems and directed formation of conjugates. Finally, we highlight virus-mimicking approaches based on lipid- and protein-coated DNA structures that may elicit enhanced stability, immunocompatibility and delivery properties. This development also paves the way for DNA-based vaccines as the programmable nano-objects can be used for controlling immune cell activation.

Strategies to Build Hybrid Protein-DNA Nanostructures

Proteins and DNA exhibit key physical chemical properties that make them advantageous for building nanostructures with outstanding features. Both DNA and protein nanotechnology have growth notably and proved to be fertile disciplines. The combination of both types of nanotechnologies is helpful to overcome the individual weaknesses and limitations of each one, paving the way for the continuing diversification of structural nanotechnologies. Recent studies have implemented a synergistic combination of both biomolecules to assemble unique and sophisticate protein-DNA nanostructures. These hybrid nanostructures are highly programmable and display remarkable features that create new opportunities to build on the nanoscale. This review focuses on the strategies deployed to create hybrid protein-DNA nanostructures. Here, we discuss strategies such as polymerization, spatial directing and organizing, coating, and rigidizing or folding DNA into particular shapes or moving parts. The enrichment of structural DNA nanotechnology by incorporating protein nanotechnology has been clearly demonstrated and still shows a large potential to create useful and advanced materials with cell-like properties or dynamic systems. It can be expected that structural protein-DNA nanotechnology will open new avenues in the fabrication of nanoassemblies with unique functional applications and enrich the toolbox of bionanotechnology.

DNA modification and visualization on an origami-based enzyme nano-factory

The past decade has seen enormous progress in DNA nanotechnology through the advent of DNA origami. Functionalizing the DNA origami for multiple applications is the recent focus of this field. Here we have constructed a novel DNA enzyme nano-factory, which modifies target DNA embedded on a DNA origami platform. The enzyme is programmed to reside in close proximity to the target DNA which enhances significantly the local concentration compared to solution-based DNA modification. To demonstrate this we have immobilized DNA methyltransferase M·TaqI next to the target DNA on the DNA origami and used this enzyme to sequence-specifically modify the target DNA with biotin using a cofactor analogue. Streptavidin binding to biotin is applied as a topographic marker to follow the machine cycle of this enzyme nano-factory using atomic force microscopy imaging. The nano-factory is demonstrated to be recyclable and holds the potential to be expanded to a multi-enzyme, multi-substrate operating system controlled by simple to complex molecules made of DNA, RNA or proteins.

Supramolecular Architectures of Nucleic Acid/Peptide Hybrids

Supramolecular architectures that are built artificially from biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or peptides, with structural hierarchical orders ranging from the molecular to nano-scales have attracted increased attention in molecular science research fields. The engineering of nanostructures with such biomolecule-based supramolecular architectures could offer an opportunity for the development of biocompatible supramolecular (nano)materials. In this review, we highlighted a variety of supramolecular architectures that were assembled from both nucleic acids and peptides through the non-covalent interactions between them or the covalently conjugated molecular hybrids between them.

DNA origami-based microtubule analogue

A microtubule hollow structure is one type of cytoskeletons which directs a number of important cellular functions. When recapitulating biological events in a cell-free system, artificial frames are often required to execute similar cytoskeletal functions in synthetic systems. Here, I report a prototypical microtubular assembly using a DNA origami nanostructuring method. Through structural design at the molecular level, 32HB (helices bundle)-based DNA origami objects can form micrometers long tubular structures via shape-complementary side patterns engagement and head-to-tail blunt-end stacking. Multiple parameters have been investigated to gain optimized polymerization conditions. Conformational change with an open vs closed hinge is also included, rendering conformational changes for a dynamic assembly. When implementing further improved external regulation with DNA dynamics (DNA strand displacement reactions or using other switchable non-canonical DNA secondary structures) or chemical stimuli, the DNA origami-based microtubule analogue will have great potential to assemble and disassemble on purpose and conduct significantly complicated cytoskeletal tasks in vitro.

Switch from Polymorphic to Homogenous Self-Assembly of Virus-Like Particles of Simian Virus 40 through Double-Cysteine Substitution

Self-assembled virus-like particles (VLPs) hold great potential as natural nanomaterials for applications in many fields. For such purposes, monodisperse size distribution is a desirable property. However, the VLPs of simian virus 40 (SV40), a representative VLP platform, are characterized by polymorphism. In an attempt to eliminate the polymorphism, 15 mutants of the VLP subunit (VP1) are constructed through the substitution of double cysteines at the VP1 pentamer interfaces, generating a group of VLPs with altered size distributions. One of the mutants, SS2 (L102C/P300C), specifically forms homogenous T = 1-like tiny VLPs of 24 ± 3 nm in diameter. Moreover, the stability of the SS2 VLPs is markedly enhanced compared with that of wild-type VLPs. The homogeneous self-assembly and stability enhancement of SS2 VLPs can be attributed to the new disulfide bonds contributed by Cys102 and Cys300, which are identified by mass spectrometry and explored by molecular dynamics simulations. Endocytosis inhibition assays indicate that SS2 VLPs, like the polymorphic wild-type VLPs, preserve the multipathway feature of cellular uptake. SS2 VLPs may serve as an evolved version of SV40 VLPs in future studies and applications. The findings of this work would be useful for the design and fabrication of VLP-based materials and devices.

Large-Scale DNA Nanoarrays with a Controllable Fluorescence Switch Constructed by RCA Simplified Origami

The manufacture of large-scale and highly ordered fluorescent assemblies has received more and more scientific attention in recent years. An ingenious and low-cost strategy for constructing large-scale DNA nanoarrays by rolling circle amplification (RCA) and a simplified DNA origami technique is proposed in this study. Thrombins are used to trigger the excitation of the fluorescent groups modified on the aptamer staple strands of nanoladders, which leads to the delicate construction of millimeter large-scale fluorescent nanoarrays, whose fluorescence intensity could be effectively regulated by the concentration of thrombin. The above fluorescent nanoarrays will generate a potential application value in the fields of biosensors, super-resolution imaging, and novel light-emitting devices.

Design and synthesis of pleated DNA origami nanotubes with adjustable diameters

DNA origami allows for the synthesis of nanoscale structures and machines with nanometre precision and high yields. Tubular DNA origami nanostructures are particularly useful because their geometry facilitates a variety of applications including nanoparticle encapsulation, the construction of artificial membrane pores and as structural scaffolds that can uniquely spatially arrange nanoparticles in circular, linear and helical arrays. Here we report a system of parametrization for the design of radially symmetric DNA origami nanotubes with adjustable diameter, length, crossover density, pleat angle and chirality. The system is implemented into a computational algorithm that provides a practical means to navigate the complex geometry of DNA origami nanotube design. We apply this in the design, synthesis and characterization of novel DNA origami nanotubes. These include structures with pleated walls where the same number of duplexes can form nanotubes with different diameters, and to vary the diameter within the same structure. We also construct nanotubes that can be reconfigured into different chiral shapes. Finally, we explore the effect of strain on the local and global geometry of DNA origami nanotubes and demonstrate how pleated walls can provide a strategy to rigidify nanotubes and to construct closely packed parallel duplexes.

The Brownian and Flow-Driven Rotational Dynamics of a Multicomponent DNA Origami-Based Rotor

Nanomechanical devices are becoming increasingly popular due to the very diverse field of potential applications, including nanocomputing, robotics, and drug delivery. DNA is one of the most promising building materials to realize complex 3D structures at the nanoscale level. Several mechanical DNA origami structures have already been designed capable of simple operations such as a DNA box with a controllable lid, bipedal walkers, and cargo sorting robots. However, the nanomechanical properties of mechanically interlinked DNA nanostructures that are in general highly deformable have yet to be extensively experimentally evaluated. In this work, a multicomponent DNA origami-based rotor is created and fully characterized by electron microscopy under negative stain and cryo preparations. The nanodevice is further immobilized on a microfluidic chamber and its Brownian and flow-driven rotational behaviors are analyzed in real time by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. The rotation in previous DNA rotors based either on strand displacement, electric field or Brownian motion. This study is the first to attempt to manipulate the dynamics of an artificial nanodevice with fluidic flow as a natural force.

Programming Dynamic Assembly of Viral Proteins with DNA Origami

Biomolecular assembly in biological systems is typically a complex dynamic process regulated by the exchange of molecular information between biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Here, we demonstrate a nucleic-acid-based system that can program the dynamic assembly process of viral proteins. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) genome-mimicking RNA is anchored on DNA origami nanostructures via hybridization with a series of DNA strands which also function as locks that prevent the packaging of RNA by the TMV proteins. The selective, sequential releasing of the RNA via toehold-mediated strand displacement allows us to program the availability of RNA and subsequently the TMV growth in situ. Furthermore, the programmable dynamic assembly of TMV on DNA templates also enables the production of new DNA-protein hybrid nanostructures, which are not attainable by using previous assembly methods.

Functional Applications of Nucleic Acid-Protein Hybrid Nanostructures

Combining the diverse chemical functionality of proteins with the predictable structural assembly of nucleic acids has enabled the creation of hybrid nanostructures for a range of biotechnology applications. Through the attachment of proteins onto or within nucleic acid nanostructures, materials with dynamic capabilities can be created that include switchable enzyme activity, targeted drug delivery, and multienzyme cascades for biocatalysis. Investigations of difficult-to-study biological mechanisms have also been aided by using DNA-protein assemblies that mimic natural processes in a controllable manner. Furthermore, advances that enable the recombinant production and intracellular assembly of hybrid nanostructures have the potential to overcome the significant manufacturing cost that has limited the use of DNA and RNA nanotechnology.

From stars to stripes: RNA-directed shaping of plant viral protein templates-structural synthetic virology for smart biohybrid nanostructures

The self-assembly of viral building blocks bears exciting prospects for fabricating new types of bionanoparticles with multivalent protein shells. These enable a spatially controlled immobilization of functionalities at highest surface densities-an increasing demand worldwide for applications from vaccination to tissue engineering, biocatalysis, and sensing. Certain plant viruses hold particular promise because they are sustainably available, biodegradable, nonpathogenic for mammals, and amenable to in vitro self-organization of virus-like particles. This offers great opportunities for their redesign into novel "green" carrier systems by spatial and structural synthetic biology approaches, as worked out here for the robust nanotubular tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as prime example. Natural TMV of 300 x 18 nm is built from more than 2,100 identical coat proteins (CPs) helically arranged around a 6,395 nucleotides ssRNA. In vitro, TMV-like particles (TLPs) may self-assemble also from modified CPs and RNAs if the latter contain an Origin of Assembly structure, which initiates a bidirectional encapsidation. By way of tailored RNA, the process can be reprogrammed to yield uncommon shapes such as branched nanoobjects. The nonsymmetric mechanism also proceeds on 3'-terminally immobilized RNA and can integrate distinct CP types in blends or serially. Other emerging plant virus-deduced systems include the usually isometric cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) with further strikingly altered structures up to "cherrybombs" with protruding nucleic acids. Cartoon strips and pictorial descriptions of major RNA-based strategies induct the reader into a rare field of nanoconstruction that can give rise to utile soft-matter architectures for complex tasks. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures.

Geometry-Based Self-Assembly of Histone-DNA Nanostructures at Single-Nucleotide Resolution

Histones are basic protein monomers capable of interacting with DNA, providing the mechanism of DNA compaction inside the cell nucleus. The well-ordered assembly process of histone and DNA is a potential candidate as the approach for building DNA-protein nanostructures. Here, utilizing the sequence-independent histone-DNA interaction, we present an approach to self-assemble histones and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to form well-defined histone-DNA (sHD) nanoparticles and their multidimensional cross-linked complexes (cHD). By using various molecular biology and microscopy techniques, we elucidate the structure of these complexes, and we show that they are formed at carefully controlled conditions of temperature, ionic strength, concentration, and incubation time. We also demonstrate using a set of ssDNA molecular rulers and a geometric accommodation model that the assembly of sHD and cHD particles proceeds with precise geometry so that the number of ssDNA in these particles can be programmed by the length of ssDNA. We further show that the formation of cHD amplifies the effect of the length of ssDNA on the self-assembly, allowing for distinguishing ssDNA of different lengths at single nucleotide resolution. We envision that our geometry-directed approach of self-assembling histone-DNA nanostructures and the fundamental insights can serve as a structural platform to advance building precisely ordered DNA-protein nanostructures.

Framework Nucleic Acid-Enabled Programming of Electrochemical Catalytic Properties of Artificial Enzymes

The creation and engineering of artificial enzymes remain a challenge, especially the arrangement of enzymes into geometric patterns with nanometer precision. In this work, we fabricated a series of novel DNA-tetrahedron-scaffolded-DNAzymes (Tetrazymes) and evaluated the catalytic activity of these Tetrazymes by electrochemistry. Tetrazymes were constructed by precisely positioning G-quadruplex on different sites of a DNA tetrahedral framework, with hemin employed as the co-catalyst. Immobilization of Tetrazymes on a gold electrode surface revealed horseradish peroxidase (HPR)-mimicking bioelectrocatalytic property. Cyclic voltammogram and amperometry were employed to evaluate the capability of Tetrazymes of different configurations to electrocatalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). These artificial Tetrazymes displayed 6- to 14-fold higher enzymatic activity than G-quadruplex/hemin (G4-hemin) without the DNA tetrahedron scaffold, demonstrating application potential in developing novel G-quadruplex-based electrochemical sensors.

Toward Precise Manipulation of DNA-Protein Hybrid Nanoarchitectures

Nucleic acids and proteins are the two primary building materials of living organisms. Over the past decade, artificial DNA-protein hybrid structures have been pursued for a wide range of applications. DNA nanotechnology, in particular, has dramatically expanded nanoscale molecule engineering and contributed to the spatial arrangement of protein components. Strategies for designing site-specific coupling of DNA oligomers to proteins are needed in order to allow for precise control over stoichiometry and position. Efforts have also been focused on coassembly of protein-DNA complexes by engineering their fundamental molecular recognition interactions. This Concept focuses on the precise manipulation of DNA-protein nanoarchitectures. Particular attention is paid to site-selectivity within DNA-protein conjugates, regulation of protein orientation using DNA scaffolds, and coassembly principles upon unique structural motifs. Current challenges and future directions are also discussed in the design and application of DNA-protein nanoarchitectures.

Peptide-Oligonucleotide Hybrid Molecules for Bioactive Nanomaterials

Peptides and oligonucleotides are two of the most interesting molecular platforms for making bioactive materials. Peptides provide bioactivity that can mimic that of proteins, whereas oligonucleotides like DNA can be used as scaffolds to immobilize other molecules with nanoscale precision. In this Topical Review, we discuss covalent conjugates of peptides and DNA for creating bioactive materials that can interface with cells. In particular, we focus on two areas. The first is multivalent presentation of peptides on a DNA scaffold, both linear assemblies and more complex nanostructures. The second is the reversible tuning of the extracellular environment-like ligand presentation, stiffness, and hierarchical morphology-in peptide-DNA biomaterials. These examples highlight the potential for creating highly potent materials with benefits not possible with either molecule alone, and we outline a number of future directions and applications for peptide-DNA conjugates.