Construction of Smart DNA-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy.

Due to the disadvantages of poor targeting, slow action, and low effectiveness of current commonly used cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, researchers have turned to DNA as a biomaterial for constructing drug delivery nanocarriers. DNA is favored for its biocompatibility and programmability. In order to overcome the limitations associated with traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), researchers have developed smart-responsive DNA DDSs that can control drug release in response to specific physical or chemical stimuli at targeted sites. In this review, a summary of multiple targeted ligand structures is provided, various shapes of stable DNA nanomaterials, and different stimuli-responsive drug release strategies in DNA DDSs. Specifically, targeted cell recognition, in vivo stable transport, and controlled drug release of smart DDSs are focused. Finally, the further development prospects and challenges of clinical application of DNA nanomaterials in the field of smart drug delivery are discussed. The objective of this review is to enhance researchers' comprehension regarding the potential application of DNA nanomaterials in precision drug delivery, with the aim of expediting the clinical implementation of intelligent DDSs.

Promoting neurite outgrowth and neural stem cell migration using aligned nanofibers decorated with protrusions and galectin-1 coating.

Biomaterials integrated with both topological cues and biological modifications are urgently needed in regenerative medicine. Here, aligned nanofibrous scaffolds decorated with nanoscale SiO2 protrusions and galectin-1 coating are reported. Prospects in neurite outgrowth and neural stem cell migration are discussed for suitable use in neural tissue engineering.