DNA-catalyzed efficient production of single-stranded DNA nanostructures

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Single-stranded (ss) DNA nanostructures (DNs), created by unimolecular folding of kilo-based ssDNA, represent a new class of DNA constructs suitable for biomaterial and biomedical applications. Here, using DNA-cleaving DNA enzymes (deoxyribozymes), we present a strategy for the efficient and cost-effective production of milligrams of ssDNs. We designed "genes" of ssDNs flanked by self-cleaving deoxyribozymes and amplified the genes in the single-stranded form. Upon autoprocessing, the resulting amplicons release a quadrillion copies of the ssDNA that self-folds into the desired structures. By engineering <i>trans</i>-acting deoxyribozymes, we showed that several ssDNs of different shapes can be encoded and amplified in tandem with controllable release of specific shapes from the amplicons, thereby providing a convenient yet economical way to safely store "genetic codes" of nanostructures on DNA for selective mass production on demand. We demonstrated ssDNs' ability to assist liposome sorting and expect the approach will promote the development of ssDNs' applications in broad areas.