DNA nanocage

A DNA nanocage for transporting drugs in the body

December 4, 2013

Atomistic models of a nanocage in which eight unique DNA molecules are mixed together. The nanocage has four functional elements that transform themselves in response to changes in the surrounding temperature. These transformations either close (A) or open (B) the nanocage. By exploiting temperature changes in the surroundings, the researchers trapped an active enzyme called horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the nanocage (C). (Credit: Sissel Juul)

A method for developing a “nanocage” — which may eventually enable transport of medications in the body to target diseased cells — has been developed by researchers at Aarhus University and colleagues in Italy and the U.S.

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Cage x-ray images (credit: Sissel Juul et al./ACS Nano)

Using DNA self-assembly, the researchers designed eight unique DNA molecules from the body’s own natural DNA molecules. When these DNA molecules are mixed together, they spontaneously aggregate in a usable form — a nanocage (a truncated octahedron or eight-sided structure, in this case).

The nanocage has four functional elements that transform themselves in response to changes in the surrounding temperature. These temperature transformations either close (at 4 degrees C) or open (at 37 degrees C) the nanocage (see figure above)./.../