Chemical engineering of nucleic acid nanodevices: From molecular modification to biomedical applications

Nucleic acids have emerged as versatile molecular building blocks for biomedical technologies owing to their programmability, molecular recognition capabilities, and predictable self-assembly properties. Advances in DNA and RNA nanotechnology have facilitated the development of diverse nucleic acid nanodevices, including molecular sensors, therapeutic delivery systems, logic circuits, and responsive nanomachines.1 However, despite their unique design potential, the translation of nucleic acid nanodevices into biomedical applications remains challenging due to their limited stability, rapid degradation in biological environments, and insufficient spatiotemporal control over their behaviors and functions in vivo.