DNA nanorobot could offer targeted treatment of cancer
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The programmable DNA nanorobot developed by Wyss Institute researchers is shaped like a barrel and opens to release its payload when it finds its target (Image: Campbell Strong, Shawn Douglas & Gael McGill)
We've seen various experimental approaches that aim to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy while also reducing its damaging side effects by specifically targeting cancer cells. The latest encouraging development comes from Harvard's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering where researchers have created a barrel-like robotic device made from DNA that could carry molecular instructions into specific cells and tell them to self-destruct. Because the DNA-based device could be programmed to target a variety of cells, it could be used to treat a range of diseases in addition to providing hope in the fight against cancer.
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