ABSTRACT
Photoacoustic imaging(PAI) is a widely developing imaging modality that has seen tremendous evolvement in the last decade. PAI has gained the upper hand in the imaging field as it takes advantage of optical absorption and ultrasound detection that imparts higher resolution, rich contrast and elevated penetration depth. Unlike other imaging techniques, PAI does not use ionising radiation and is a better, cost-effective and healthier alternative to other imaging techniques. It offers greater specificity than conventional ultrasound imaging with the ability to detect haemoglobin, lipids, water and other light-absorbing chromophores. These properties of PAI have led to its extended applications in the biomedical field in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. This paper reviews how DNA probes have been used in PAI, the various techniques by which it has been modified, and their role in the process. We also focus on different nanocomposites containing DNA having PAI and photothermal therapy(PTT) properties for detection, diagnosis and therapy, its constituents and the role of DNA in it.