# Engineering a Mechanoresponsive DNA Origami Capsule for Drug Delivery to Narrowed Arteries

## TL;DR

This paper introduces DNA origami capsules that open in response to mechanical forces in narrowed arteries, enabling targeted drug delivery.

## Contribution

The novelty is a DNA-based drug delivery system that autonomously responds to mechanical shear forces in stenotic blood flow.

## Key findings

- The DNA origami capsules can open under physiologically relevant shear forces.
- Mechanical response of DNA springs was confirmed using optical tweezers.
- The capsules show potential for noninvasive, site-specific drug release in narrowed arteries.

## Abstract

Since their inception,
DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) have attracted
great interest for their programmable geometry, nanoscale precision,
and biocompatibility. Here, we present mechanoresponsive DONs designed
for targeted drug delivery to narrowed or obstructed arteries. Unlike
conventional systems triggered by biochemical cues or external stimuli,
our capsules respond autonomously to elevated local shear forces characteristic
of stenotic blood flow. The design consists of a hollow boxlike structure
sealed by two lids connected through flexible DNA springs, enabling
mechanical opening under pathological flow conditions. The nanostructures
were assembled and characterized by atomic force microscopy and cryo-transmission
electron microscopy, and the mechanical response of the DNA springs
was evaluated using optical tweezers. The results confirm that the
capsules can operate within physiologically relevant force ranges,
demonstrating their potential for noninvasive, site-specific drug
release. This mechanoresponsive strategy offers a new paradigm for
smart, force-activated nanocarriers for targeted diagnosis and therapy.