Targeting nucleolin to obstruct vasculature feeding with an intelligent DNA nanorobot

Abstract

A prototype of DNA nanorobot with the ability to transport molecular payloads was designed to target cancer cells in tissue culture. Moreover, a further step was taken to succeed in the first in vivo application of the DNA nanorobot for cancer therapy. The robot was constructed using aptamer and DNA origami to fold a 90-nm tubular device to carry the blood coagulation protease thrombin inside, shielded from circulating platelets and plasma fibrinogen. The recognition and binding of the aptamer to its tumour-specific target molecule triggered the robot unfolding to expose thrombin to the blood, which in turn activated coagulation at the local tumour site, resulting in tumour necrosis and inhibition of tumour growth. Since all solid-tumour feeding vessels are virtually the same, this strategy could be effective against many types of malignant diseases.