Influence of Physicochemical Parameters on the in vitro Stability of DNA Tetrahedral Nanostructures

ABSTRACT Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) are promising nanocarriers due to their structural precision, biocompatibility, and efficient cellular uptake. However, their stability under physiological conditions remains a key challenge. In this study, TDNs were synthesized via a one-pot thermal annealing method and characterized using native PAGE, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis, confirming uniform size (∼13 nm) and negative surface charge. Their stability was systematically evaluated across different biological media (DMEM complete, serum-free DMEM, and E3), temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C), and pH conditions (4.0, 7.0, and 8.5) over 24 h. Results revealed rapid degradation in serum-containing medium, increased instability at higher temperatures, and reduced stability under acidic conditions, while serum-free, lower-temperature, and neutral to mildly basic environments enhanced structural integrity. These findings highlight the strong environmental dependence of TDN stability and provide insights for optimizing their design for biomedical applications.