DNA-Based Environmental Remediation: Functional Principles, Material Platforms, and Future Perspectives

With advancements in DNA nanotechnology, DNA has evolved far beyond its traditional genetic role into a programmable material distinguished by specific molecular recognition and controllable self-assembly. As contemporary environmental pollutants become increasingly complex, conventional remediation technologies often face critical limitations due to their poor selectivity and low adaptability. Consequently, DNA nanotechnology presents a promising alternative for intelligent remediation. Specifically, functional nanostructures such as aptamers, DNAzymes, hydrogels, and hybrid nanocomposites serve as innovative platforms for the highly selective sequestration, degradation, and isolation of diverse contaminants. This review summarizes the fundamental properties of DNA relevant to environmental remediation, including enzyme-free amplification and stimulus-responsive structural transitions. We further discuss diverse DNA-based material platforms and systematically classify recent remediation strategies by pollutant categories, such as heavy metals, organic/biological contaminants, and radionuclides. Finally, we evaluate the current challenges hindering the practical translation of DNA-based remediation systems and outline promising future directions, offering a comprehensive perspective on developing next-generation smart materials for sustainable environmental management.