Scientists have developed a DNA nanoflower that delivers chemotherapy and gene therapy directly to breast cancer cells, boosting effectiveness while reducing side effects in early tests.
Breast cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Although drugs like Doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used, their effectiveness is often limited by toxicity, poor targeting, and the development of multi-drug resistance. DNA nanostructures, due to their biocompatibility and programmability, are gaining attention as more precise delivery vehicles.
Researchers have created a new DNA nanoflower-based drug delivery system capable of co-delivering an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and the chemotherapy drug DOX.
Published in Micro & Nano Letters, the study demonstrates how they used a dual amplification method to form a flower-shaped DNA nanostructure with a high drug-loading capacity and highly targeted delivery.
This study focuses on tackling the limitations of traditional DOX-based therapies by combining gene silencing and chemotherapy into one delivery system. The DNA nanoflowers are also functionalised with AS1411, an aptamer that binds to nucleolin (a protein overexpressed on many tumour cells), improving targeting accuracy.
Building the DNA Nanoflower
The research team used a two-step amplification process to construct the nanoflowers. First, they used rolling circle amplification with Phi29 DNA polymerase to produce long single-stranded DNA sequences with repeating units. These sequences were then further amplified using multiplexed enzyme amplification, forming the unique nanoflower structure.
Specific sequences were engineered into the DNA scaffold to carry both the ASO and DOX drugs. ASO targeted PLK1, a gene associated with cancer cell growth and division, while DOX was intercalated directly into the DNA structure, making use of its natural affinity for DNA bases.
The AS1411 aptamer was conjugated to the nanostructure to enable tumour-specific targeting. The team confirmed the structure’s size, morphology, and successful functionalisation using a range of analytical techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and gel electrophoresis.
In Vitro and In Vivo Testing
In vitro experiments were carried out using MCF-7 breast cancer cells to assess cellular uptake, gene silencing, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell migration. The researchers used flow cytometry, CCK-8 assays, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and Transwell migration assays to evaluate these parameters.
The in vivo phase of the study used nude mice implanted with MCF-7 cells to form breast tumours. Once tumours had developed, mice were treated locally with the nanoflower formulations.
Promising Results in Early Tests
Analysis of the DNA nanoflowers showed their high drug-loading efficiency and their uniform, flower-like shape. The aptamer-functionalised structures showed significantly enhanced uptake in cancer cells compared to non-targeted controls.
In lab tests, the nanoflower carrying both ASO and DOX (referred to as DNF-ASO@DOX) reduced tumour cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis more effectively than either DOX or ASO alone. The ASO silenced PLK1 expression, confirmed at both the mRNA and protein levels, and resulted in cell cycle arrest and increased cell death.
The system allowed for controlled drug release in response to enzymatic signals, specifically FEN1, which is overexpressed in tumour cells. This meant the active agents were mainly released at the tumour site, minimising damage to healthy tissue.
In animal studies, tumours treated with DNF-ASO@DOX showed markedly reduced growth. Tissue analysis revealed higher levels of apoptosis and lower PLK1 expression in tumour cells. Blood tests and organ inspections indicated minimal systemic toxicity, supporting the biocompatibility of the nanoflower platform.
Looking Ahead
The study highlights the potential of DNA nanoflowers as a new kind of combination therapy tool, able to deliver both genetic and chemotherapeutic treatments in a highly targeted way. With its tumour-specific binding and controlled release mechanisms, the platform could offer a new route to overcome issues like multi-drug resistance and off-target side effects that currently limit breast cancer treatments.
Journal Reference
Shen X., Zhu A., et al. (2025). DNA Nanoflower Enables Controlled Co-Delivery of Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide and Doxorubicin for Anti-Breast Cancer Treatment. Micro & Nano Letters. DOI: 10.1002/mnnl.202500008, https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1049/mna2.70008
News
Focused Ultrasound Opens Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat Brain Cancer
Summary: A new study demonstrates that primary brain tumors (gliomas) are particularly receptive to targeted drug delivery using focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles. The team developed a high-resolution MRI protocol to track blood-brain barrier [...]
AI’s promise and practical limits in drug discovery
AI tools are becoming increasingly common in early drug discovery, allowing scientists to analyse data and navigate large volumes of research. However, according to Dr Raminderpal Singh, turning that potential into consistent scientific workflows [...]
GHCE Concept
From the preface of the book Global Health Care Equivalency in the Age of Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine and Artificial Intelligence, Edited by Frank Boehm: Since the publication of my first book (Nanomedical Device and Systems [...]
Healthcare Headlines: Challenges and Advances in 2026
Health-related updates reveal financial adjustments by Universal Health Services due to Medicaid reimbursement uncertainties, significant pollution-linked health concerns from French-British oil firm Perenco in Congo, drug trial setbacks, potential restructuring at major medical firms, [...]
Scientists Discover the Brain Protein That Helps Alzheimer’s Spread Through the Brain
Scientists have identified a brain protein that may help Alzheimer’s spread, revealing a potential new target for slowing the disease’s progression. Alzheimer’s disease is closely linked to the accumulation of a toxic form of the protein [...]
How Immune Dysregulation Contributes to Psychiatric Disorders
Introduction Growing evidence suggests that disruptions in immune function may play an important role in the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. However, immune mechanisms probably contribute more strongly in some patients than others, [...]
Electrostatic Discharge Boosts Triboelectric Nanogenerator Current and Enables DC Output
Controlled electrical discharges could enable triboelectric nanogenerators to achieve higher peak currents, extending nano-enabled energy harvesting into chemical processing and self-powered sensing. Paper: Electrostatic discharge as a breakthrough strategy for triboelectric nanogenerators. A new review [...]
Swiss laboratory uses old drugs against rare diseases
Researchers at the University of Geneva are combing through collections of approved drugs to find new therapies for rare diseases – with some success. This approach is gaining traction around the world, while pharmaceutical [...]
Nanozyme Aptasensors Show Promise for Faster Food, Health, and Environmental Testing
By pairing robust artificial enzymes with highly selective aptamers, nanozyme aptasensors could help detect disease biomarkers, pathogens, and contaminants faster, but the review shows that real-world deployment still depends on overcoming matrix interference, biofouling, [...]
Paralyzed Man Feels Sensation Again With Brain Stimulation Device
Aneuroprosthetic system has allowed a man with paralysis to grasp and lift objects and feel touch again. The device helped 42-year-old Keith Thomas of Massapequa, New York, who was paralyzed from the chest down [...]
Global Cancer Cases Could Surge 67% by 2050, New Report Warns
New data reveal major geographic disparities and highlight the urgent need for global action on prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment. For roughly one in five people worldwide, cancer will become part [...]
A Deadly Ebola-Like Virus Is Spreading. Are We Ready?
BU virologist Nancy Sullivan says the Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the need for broader outbreak preparedness. The death of a nurse marked the moment health officials recognized that [...]
Why Most Animal Viruses Never Become Human Pandemics
From receptor mismatch to risky human-animal interfaces, this article explains why spillover is common but true pandemic emergence remains rare. Introduction Humans are constantly exposed to animal viruses through farming, wildlife contact, and the [...]
Stem cell organoids repair heart microvessels in coronary artery disease models
A Stanford University team has shown that vascular organoids derived from human stem cells can repair the heart’s microvessel network in pigs with ischaemic heart disease – a proof-of-concept advancement that could open new therapeutic [...]
Goodbye GP waiting rooms, hello prevention at home
Prevention is suddenly everywhere in NHS reform. The recent £340m community pharmacy deal is moving more services onto the high street. Community Diagnostic Centres are being expanded, and the Neighbourhood Health Framework sets out [...]
Ebola control is weakened by mistrust and cultural insensitivity
Effective response depends on cooperation with communities and frontline workers, writes Zaeem ul Haq The current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda is exposing dangerous gaps in [...]
