Stimuli‐Responsive Self‐Assembled DNA Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Stimuli‐responsive DNA‐based materials represent a major class of remarkable functional nanomaterials for nano‐biotechnological applications. In this review, recent progress in the development of stimuli‐responsive systems based on self‐assembled DNA nanostructures is introduced and classified. Representative examples are presented in terms of their design, working principles and mechanisms to trigger the response of the stimuli‐responsive DNA system upon expose to a large variety of stimuli including pH, metal ions, oligonucleotides, small molecules, enzymes, heat, and light. Substantial in vitro studies have clearly revealed the advantages of the use of stimuli‐responsive DNA nanomaterials in different biomedical applications, particularly for biosensing, drug delivery, therapy and diagnostic purposes in addition to bio‐computing. Some of the challenges faced and suggestions for further development are also highlighted.