The use of DNA as a material has opened up new possibilities in the field of nanobiotechnology. Specifically, DNA origami-a technique in which one long single-stranded DNA scaffold is folded into nanoscale shapes and structures using hundreds of short 'staple' oligonucleotides-has contributed to new innovations within this field. Nanostructures created using DNA origami have found use in applications such as biosensing, triggered drug delivery, enzyme cascades and biomolecular analysis platforms. The unmatched features of DNA nanostructures such as cell permeability, biocompatibility, and spatial positioning have contributed to DNA origami playing an important role in the development of materials for biotechnology applications. (c) 2015 Society of Chemical Industry