Delivering DNA origami to cells

DNA nanotechnology research has long-held promise as a means of developing functional molecules capable of delivery to cells. Recent advances in DNA origami have begun to realize this potential but is still at the earliest stage and a number of hurdles remain. This review focuses on progress in addressing these hurdles and considers some of the challenges still outstanding. These include stability of such structures necessary to reach target cells after administration; methods of cell targeting and uptake; strategies to avoid or escape endosomes and techniques for achieving specific subcellular localization. Finally, the functionality that can be expected once DNA origami structures reach their final intracellular targets will be considered. Lay abstract The DNA origami technique allows 'nanorobots' to be made from DNA. These have the potential to work as 'smart' drugs but only if they can be successfully delivered to cells. Here, we review progress in achieving this goal.