DNA aptamer functionalized nanomaterials for intracellular analysis, cancer cell imaging and drug delivery

► DNA aptamer–nanomaterials combine unique optical or magnetic properties of nanomaterials with high selectivity of aptamers. ► Together they have enabled novel analytical techniques that advance our understanding of health and treatment of diseases. ► Recent work on using DNA aptamer–nanomaterials for analysis of intracellular components and metabolites are reviewed. ► Their recent applications in targeting and imaging of cancer cells and in cell-specific drug delivery are also highlighted.