ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues) is an important framework for anticipating and addressing the social impacts of advanced technologies. In particular, ethical, legal, and social issues are inevitable in the research, development, and application of new biotechnologies such as DNA origami technology. Although this technology enables structural design at the nanoscale and is expected to have medical and industrial applications, its implementation requires careful discussion. Here, we review the ELSI issues related to DNA origami technology from ethical, legal, and social perspectives, and provide guidelines for the safe and appropriate development of the technology.

Ethical issues in DNA origami technology include the presence or absence of genetic information in the DNA used and transparency regarding the use of the generative AI. First, if DNA contains genetic information, it must be treated as a biohazard and must be strictly controlled to prevent the risk of leakage or misuse. In addition, there is a risk of inadequate response to problems that may arise when designing DNA structures using AI technology, because it is difficult to fully understand the design process. In particular, it is essential to develop guidelines and ethical standards for use and promote appropriate management of AI technology, especially for design products using generative AI. Legal Issues Legal challenges for DNA origami include: the lack of legal provisions for handling of designs created by generative AI, the absence of provisions for treating DNA and RNA molecules as materials in molecular robotics, and concerns about preventing dual use (e.g., military use). Currently, intellectual property rights and liability for structures using generative AI are unclear, and laws need to be developed as this technology progresses. In addition, DNA and RNA molecules used in the field of molecular robotics are expected to be used with specific intentions, but it is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of misuse, so legal prevention measures regarding dual use need to be put in place in advance. Furthermore, it is important to assess the impact of the technology after it is applied in society over the long term, and to establish monitoring and regulatory mechanisms to prevent unforeseen impacts on the environment and society.

Some of the challenges that DNA origami technology poses to society include prejudice based on a general lack of understanding and misunderstanding, environmental impacts, and equity in the use of the technology. The technology is still unfamiliar to the general public, which could lead to widespread misunderstanding and prejudice against genes and DNA technology. Therefore, there is a need to provide accurate information and educate the general public about DNA origami technology. In addition, the environmental impact of discarded DNA structures when the technology is disseminated should also be fully considered. Furthermore, inequality due to the economic disparity that could occur when the technology is applied is also a concern, and equitable use of the technology should be promoted, especially in the medical field.

Ethical issues in DNA origami technology include the presence or absence of genetic information in the DNA used and transparency regarding the use of the generative AI. First, if DNA contains genetic information, it must be treated as a biohazard and must be strictly controlled to prevent the risk of leakage or misuse. In addition, there is a risk of inadequate response to problems that may arise when designing DNA structures using AI technology, because it is difficult to fully understand the design process. In particular, it is essential to develop guidelines and ethical standards for use and promote appropriate management of AI technology, especially for design products using generative AI. Legal Issues Legal challenges for DNA origami include: the lack of legal provisions for handling of designs created by generative AI, the absence of provisions for treating DNA and RNA molecules as materials in molecular robotics, and concerns about preventing dual use (e.g., military use). Currently, intellectual property rights and liability for structures using generative AI are unclear, and laws need to be developed as this technology progresses. In addition, DNA and RNA molecules used in the field of molecular robotics are expected to be used with specific intentions, but it is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of misuse, so legal prevention measures regarding dual use need to be put in place in advance. Furthermore, it is important to assess the impact of the technology after it is applied in society over the long term, and to establish monitoring and regulatory mechanisms to prevent unforeseen impacts on the environment and society.