DNA Nanocages

DNA has been used in the construction of a variety of nanoscale structures. Of these, designed cage-like structures of sizes ranging from ∼10 to ∼100 nm and molecular weights of up to ∼60 MDa have been developed. These nanocages have been assembled using different strategies that include a one-pot approach, modular assembly, hierarchical self-assembly, and the DNA origami technique. Such structures can be programmed to be reconfigurable via external triggers such as ligands, biomolecules, and pH. These objects provide a route to encapsulate proteins and nanoparticles and allow targeted delivery of these guests. With such versatile properties, DNA nanocages find applications in medicine, biotechnology, imaging, and materials science.