DNA nanotechnology as a tool to develop molecular tension probes for bio-sensing and bio-imaging applications: An up-to-date review

DNA is known to be a life material that has been explored as an exciting biomaterial for bio-sensing, bio-imaging, and analytical applications. The current review focuses on describing the general concept of DNA nanotechnology including linear DNA nanotechnology, short circular DNA nanotechnology, DNA origami, and the hybrid protein–DNA nanotechnology/supramolecular approaches. We will further describe the existing strategies for the development of DNA molecular tension probes to target the cell surface receptors (mainly integrin) for bio-imaging and bio-sensing applications. The surface activation of the cellular receptors by the DNA probes will elicit the mechanical responses to the cells for the analysis and bio-imaging of mechano-biological processes. The literature overview is obvious about the role of cell surface receptors in generating piconewton (pN) forces and carrying out mechano-transduction events necessary for the growth, development, and proper functioning of the cells. The last part of the review will briefly summarize our contribution as a latest advancement in this field, and to establish a further need for research.