nucleicacidbased

Nucleic acid-based refers to technologies and methods that rely on nucleic acids—primarily DNA and RNA—as the core functional materials. These systems leverage programmable base pairing, biochemical versatility, and the ability to encode information to perform tasks in biology, medicine, and information technology.

Applications span therapeutics, diagnostics, nanotechnology, and data storage. In therapeutics, nucleic acid-based approaches include antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference agents, and messenger RNA–based therapies and vaccines. In diagnostics, nucleic acid amplification tests, sequencing-based assays, and CRISPR‑based detection offer high sensitivity for pathogens or genetic markers. In nanotechnology, DNA can act as a programmable scaffold for assembling nanostructures and devices; aptamers—nucleic acid ligands—provide highly selective molecular recognition. In data storage, DNA encodes digital information at high density and long-term stability.

Advantages include high information density, design flexibility, and rapid synthesis. Challenges involve delivery to target cells, stability and degradation in biological environments, potential immunogenicity, and the need for robust manufacturing and regulatory frameworks.

Future directions emphasize integrated diagnostics and therapeutics, improved delivery systems, and expanding use in synthetic biology and materials science. As a modular and programmable platform, nucleic acid–based technologies continue to influence medicine, biotechnology, and information science.