DNA Nanotechnology and Biosensing Applications

DNA nanotechnology exploits the predictable base-pairing and structural versatility of nucleic acids to engineer nanoscale architectures and dynamic devices. By programming strand sequences, researchers assemble two- and three-dimensional shapes—ranging from DNA origami sheets to tetrahedral frameworks—that can present functional groups with nanometre precision. These constructs serve as scaffolds for molecular machines, signal amplifiers and targeted delivery systems. In biosensing, DNA-based platforms achieve ultrasensitive detection of ions, small molecules, proteins and nucleic acids through mechanisms such as catalytic DNAzymes, strand-displacement cascades and hybridization chain reactions. Integration with nanoparticles, fluorescence reporters or electrodes enables real-time readouts in complex biological environments. The modularity and biocompatibility of DNA nanostructures have driven advances in point-of-care diagnostics, intracellular imaging and wearable sensors, underpinning a new generation of highly selective, low-cost devices with applications in clinical monitoring, environmental analysis and personalised medicine.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent work has demonstrated autonomous DNAzyme motors operating in living cells to detect specific microRNAs. These motors are constructed on gold nanoparticles decorated with substrate strands and locked DNAzymes. Interaction with intracellular microRNA triggers walking of the motor along the DNA track, yielding amplified fluorescence signals that enable single-cell quantification of disease-related biomarkers. Complementing this dynamic sensing, a simple coating of oligolysine-PEG has been shown to stabilise DNA nanostructures against low-salt denaturation and serum nuclease degradation. This one-step approach preserves structural integrity in physiological fluids, facilitating cellular uptake and extending in vivo circulation. Together, these studies illustrate how molecular programming and surface engineering enhance both the functional responsiveness and the biological robustness of DNA-based sensors and delivery vehicles.

DNA Nanotechnology and Biosensing Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in dna nanotechnology and biosensing applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

DNA nanostructure: artificially designed assembly of DNA strands into defined shapes and architectures at the nanoscale.

DNAzyme: catalytic DNA strand capable of mediating chemical reactions or signal amplification in response to specific molecular targets.

DNA origami: method for folding a long single-stranded DNA scaffold into prescribed two- or three-dimensional shapes using complementary staple strands.

Hybridization chain reaction (HCR): an enzyme-free amplification mechanism in which target-triggered opening of hairpin probes initiates a cascade of hybridisation events, forming long DNA polymers.

DNA walker: dynamic nanodevice that traverses a DNA track via sequential strand-displacement steps, often used for target-responsive movement or signal generation.

References

1. A microRNA-initiated DNAzyme motor operating in living cells. Nature Communications (2017).
2. Oligolysine-based coating protects DNA nanostructures from low-salt denaturation and nuclease degradation. Nature Communications (2017).
3. DNA framework signal amplification platform-based high-throughput systemic immune monitoring. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2024).
4. Two-color imaging of microRNA with enzyme-free signal amplification via hybridization chain reactions in living cells. Chemical Science (2016).