The contribution of extracellular RNA and its derived biomaterials in disease management

The RNA found in the circular system is known as extracellular RNA (exRNA). This kind of RNA has been found to play a biological role similar to that of a messenger. They can be used as indicators of disease status or the physiological health of an organism. A large number of RNA-based biomaterials have been developed by simulating the biological function and structure of natural RNA molecules. The structural programmability of RNA-based biomaterials provides the spur for scientists to pioneer new approaches in disease detection and prevention. Nevertheless, the link between exRNA function and the design of RNA-based biomaterials has not been fully understood. Understanding the biological structure and function of exRNA will contribute to the clinical translation of this novel biotechnology. The present review discusses the research progress associated with exRNA and their derivatives to bridge the gap between natural exRNA and RNA-based biomaterials.