Bioinspired DNA self-assembly for targeted cancer cell imaging and drug delivery

Abstract In this study, a novel beansprout-like aptamer-tethered DNA assembly was developed for targeted cell imaging and drug delivery. The DNA self-assembly was consisted of two aptamer-tethered single-stranded DNAs (“cotyledons”) and a double-strand DNA (“hypocotyl”). With two cotyledons binding to the target cell’s membrane and a hypocotyl intercalated with drugs or fluorescent dyes, the DNA bean sprout (DNA BS) could deliver drugs to the target cancer cell as well as imaging them. The results show that DNA BS has stronger targeting ability, higher cellular uptake, and more efficient delivery of drugs to MCF-7 cells than the monovalent DNA assembly. This work provides a new way to design bioinspired drug carriers for live cell imaging and targeted drug delivery.