DNA nanorobots

Researchers at the Harvard University have designed drug delivery vehicles dubbed DNA nanorobots that allow for complex targeting and controlled drug release.¹ Although targeted delivery is hardly a new concept, the DNA nanorobots go one step beyond existing approaches by enabling conditional payload release based on the presence of combinations of markers on target cells, thus making delivery more specific and controlled.

The Wyss team's technology has the potential to improve the safety and efficacy of a variety of therapeutics, but several steps, including design changes to increase time in circulation and decrease immunogenicity, could be required before progressing to clinical trials...