Chemistry Can Make Strict and Fuzzy Controls for Bio-Systems: DNA Nanoarchitectonics and Cell-Macromolecular Nanoarchitectonics

Abstract

Abstract In this review, we introduce two kinds of bio-related nanoarchitectonics, DNA nanoarchitectonics and cell-macromolecular nanoarchitectonics, both of which are basically controlled by chemical strategies. The former DNA-based approach would represent the precise nature of the nanoarchitectonics based on the strict or “digital” molecular recognition between nucleic bases. This part includes functionalization of single DNAs by chemical means, modification of the main-chain or side-chain bases to achieve stronger DNA binding, DNA aptamers and DNAzymes. It also includes programmable assemblies of DNAs (DNA Origami) and their applications for delivery of drugs to target sites in vivo, sensing in vivo, and selective labeling of biomaterials in cells and in animals. In contrast to the digital molecular recognition between nucleic bases, cell membrane assemblies and their interaction with macromolecules are achieved through rather generic and “analog” interactions such as hydrophobic effects and electrostatic forces. This cell-macromolecular nanoarchitectonics is discussed in the latter part of this review. This part includes bottom-up and top-down approaches for constructing highly organized cell-architectures with macromolecules, for regulating cell adhesion pattern and their functions in two-dimension, for generating three-dimensional cell architectures on micro-patterned surfaces, and for building synthetic/natural macromolecular modified hybrid biointerfaces.