Using DNA nanostructures to improve drug delivery and biosensing

Programmable DNA Nanostructures as Biomedical and Structural Scaffolds

NIH-funded research State University of New York at Albany · NIH-10895409

This study is working on a new way to use tiny DNA structures to deliver medicines more effectively to treat conditions like myotonic dystrophy type 1, helping to improve how well these treatments work in the body.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Albany NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albany, United States)
Project IDNIH-10895409 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing programmable DNA nanostructures that can precisely position therapeutic molecules, such as drugs and antibodies, for various biomedical applications. The project aims to create a multifunctional drug delivery system specifically targeting multisystemic diseases, using myotonic dystrophy type 1 as a model. Additionally, it explores the use of 3D DNA crystals as scaffolds for advanced imaging techniques to better understand molecular structures. By validating the efficiency of these DNA-based systems in cell cultures and preclinical models, the research seeks to enhance drug bioavailability and targeting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy type 1 or other multisystemic diseases that could benefit from advanced drug delivery methods.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to drug delivery or those not affected by multisystemic diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted drug delivery systems, improving treatment outcomes for patients with complex diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly evolving field, this specific approach to drug delivery and biosensing is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Albany, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.