Designing aptamer-enabled DNA polyhedra using paper origami

Aptamers and DNA nanostructures are both increasingly attractive tools for application in medicine and biology. DNA nanotechnology permits engineering of biocompatible, nanoscale structures with near atomic-scale resolution, whilst aptamers provide unique biorecognition and targeting properties as malleable ligands. Crucially, as both toolsets are nucleic acid-based they can be readily integrated to combine their respective advantages. Aptamers have indeed been used to enhance the functional repertoire and scope for application of DNA nanostructures, yet clear guidelines regarding their integration are difficult to find. In this context, we hereby provide a review of key concepts and proof-of-principle examples for aptamer-integrated DNA nanostructures. A concise three-step strategy is also provided to help demonstrate translation of ideas from concept to actual DNA sequences for nanostructure assembly and aptamer integration. •A three-step strategy for design of aptamer-enabled DNA nanostructures is presented.•Paper origami is used initially to correctly orientate single-stranded DNA.•Known DNA sequences are assigned with reference to aptamer structure.•Sequences are generated for the final DNA nanostructure.•An example of an aptamer-integrated pentagonal pyramid is demonstrated.