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Abstract
DNA molecules can be assembled into custom predesigned shapes via hybridization of
sequence-complementary domains. The folded structures have high spatial addressability
and a tremendous potential to serve as platforms and active components in a plethora
of bionanotechnological applications. DNA is a truly programmable material, and its
nanoscale engineering thus opens up numerous attractive possibilities to develop novel
methods for therapeutics. The tailored molecular devices could be used in targeting
cells and triggering the cellular actions in the biological environment. In this review
we focus on the DNA-based assemblies - primarily DNA origami nanostructures - that
could perform complex tasks in cells and serve as smart drug-delivery vehicles in,
for example, cancer therapy, prodrug medication, and enzyme replacement therapy.