Cracking the Code: Enhancing Molecular Tools for Progress in Nanobiotechnology
Yelixza I. Avila, Laura P. Rebolledo, Elizabeth Skelly, Renata de Freitas Saito, Hui Wei, David Lilley, Robin E. Stanley, Ya-Ming Hou, Haoyun Yang, Joanna Sztuba-Solinska, Shi-Jie Chen, Nikolay V. Dokholyan, Cheemeng Tan, S. Kevin Li, Xiaoming He, Xiaoting Zhang, Wayne Miles, Elisa Franco, Daniel W. Binzel, Peixuan Guo,* and Kirill A. Afonin*
Abstract
Nature continually refines its processes for optimal efficiency, especially within biological systems. This article explores the collaborative efforts of researchers worldwide, aiming to mimic nature’s efficiency by developing smarter and more effective nanoscale technologies and biomaterials. Recent advancements highlight progress and prospects in leveraging engineered nucleic acids and proteins for specific tasks, drawing inspiration from natural functions. The focus is developing improved methods for characterizing, understanding, and reprogramming these materials to perform user-defined functions, including personalized therapeutics, targeted drug delivery approaches, engineered scaffolds, and reconfigurable nanodevices. Contributions from academia, government agencies, biotech, and medical settings offer diverse perspectives, promising a comprehensive approach to broad nanobiotechnology objectives. Encompassing topics from mRNA vaccine design to programmable protein-based nanocomputing agents, this work provides insightful perspectives on the trajectory of nanobiotechnology toward a future of enhanced biomimicry and technological innovation.