Aptamers functionalized biomolecular nano-vehicles for applications in cancer diagnostics & therapeutics

Given its structural versatility and functional programmability, DNA has emerged as an ideal scaffold for developing nanoscale materials with emerging applications, including the ones in diagnosis and therapeutics. The two main components contributing to the successful sojourn of DNA devices in biological systems are their ability to either encapsulate or functionalize nanoparticles' diversity and their capabilities for specific physical recognitions via modules like targeting entities like aptamers. DNA-based nanoparticles and aptamers functionalized DNA nanodevices enable high biocompatibility, biological targeting, stability and drug loading. As a result, they have seen their enhanced usage in biomedical applications. This review presents an overall picture and current trends of lipid & non-lipid-based nano-vehicles that can be functionalized with aptamers and loaded for applications like bio-sensing and delivery, especially focusing on cancer diagnosis therapeutics. We conclude with future prospective and directions for improving current systems to interface with biological systems and upgrade materials for clinical transition.