Editorial: The DNA molecule as an object of nanotechnology and the creation of helical-structured metamaterials and metasurfaces

The spring of 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA structure by eminent scientists, later Nobel laureates James Watson and Francis Crick (Watson and Crick, 1953). The years that followed confirmed the importance of a great scientific discovery, which gave a real impetus to endless research on the DNA molecule, its structure, properties and possible applications. It is no exaggeration to say that the DNA molecule is the source and basis of numerous technologies in various fields of human activity. This Research Topic compiles a variety of contributions (very few have been published recently) highlighting new types of analysis and methods for more effective work with DNA data, simulated and real, obtained via different methods. These approaches let us shed light on the mechanisms of DNA organization, focusing on the relationship between DNA structure, function and dynamics, as well as consider The DNA molecule as an object of nanotechnology and the creation of helical-structured metamaterials and metasurfaces. The Research Topic is between biophysics, nanotechnology, chemical and biomedical engineering, and the articles presented by scientists from various fields make it possible to convey to the reader a variety of research methods related to this Research Topic, as well as to put this into a broader context. The first article on this Research Topic (Hu et al.) presents a mini-review summarizing the latest advances in the development of endogenous stimulus-sensitive DNA nanostructures featuring precise self-assembly, targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs for cancer theranostics. This mini review briefly discusses the diverse dynamic DNA nanostructures aiming at bioimaging and biomedicine, including DNA self-assembling materials, DNA origami structures, DNA hydrogels, etc., elaborate the working principles of DNA nanostructures activated by biomarkers (e.g., miRNA, mRNA, and proteins) in tumor cells and microenvironments of tumor tissue (e.g., pH, ATP, and redox gradient). Applications of the endogenous stimuli-responsive DNA nanostructures in biological imaging probes for detecting cancer hallmarks as well as intelligent carriers for drug release in vivo are discussed. In conclusion, the current challenges of DNA OPEN ACCESS