Engineering DNA Nanoflowers with Programmable Architectures: From Design Paradigms to Biosensing

It is of great significance to design and fabricate multifunctional engineered nanostructures by loading functional components on demand in a simplified manner, to achieve sensitive and reliable sensing of targets in complex environments. DNA nanoflowers (DNFs) with precisely compartmentalizable design are a type of emerging three-dimensional hybrid nanomaterial. Compared with traditional DNA self-assembly structures, DNF integrates efficient one-step synthesis, significantly enhanced structural robustness, superior biological delivery efficiency, and powerful modular functional integration capabilities. It can break through the limitations of traditional detection methods in terms of insufficient sensitivity and single functionality, and is a promising practical sensing material. This review first provides a concise summary of the synthetic methods and structural advantages of DNFs. On this foundation, a systematic framework is established to elaborate the diverse design paradigms of engineered DNFs, including acyclic, single-ring, and dual- or multiring designs. Furthermore, recent advances in the application of engineered DNFs to in vitro biosensing and bioimaging (especially pathogen imaging) are comprehensively summarized. Finally, perspectives on the current challenges and future development directions of DNF-based biotechnology are articulated, aiming to furnish valuable insights for researchers in relevant disciplines.