For example, RNA based biopolymers can be used as nanoarrays and nanocircuits. Dr. Yingling proposes to use protein-free RNA nanoparticles as efficient minimally toxic drug delivery devices.

Dr. Yingling and her team designed an RNA hexagonal nanoring formed from six simple building blocks held together via loop-loop contacts. Drugs or therapeutic agents can be incorporated within or attached to the ends of building blocks. Moreover, the 3' and 5' sequence can be engineered to facilitate a self-assembly of these rings into a nanotube.