Stimuli‐Responsive RNA‐Cleaving DNAzyme for Biomedical Application

DNAzymes are synthetic deoxynucleotide oligomers with catalytic properties selected through in vitro systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique. RNA-cleaving DNAzymes have attracted increasing attentions in bioanalysis and biomedical applications due to their simple synthesis and modification, stable structure, and high catalytic activity. Especially, their different modes of activity regulation enable their extensive theranostic development. This review introduces the in vitro selection of DNAzymes and some typical ones, followed by the description of various stimuli-responsive regulation strategies on DNAzyme activity, including metal ion cofactors, small molecules, protease, light, and heat. Then the recent advances of DNAzyme-based biosensors, therapeutic applications, cell-cell interaction regulation, and logic operation are summarized. At last, the current challenges and possible development of DNAzyme-based biosensors are discussed.