Abstract
pH-responsiveness has been widely pursued in dynamic DNA nanotechnology, owing to its potential in biosensing, controlled release, and nanomachinery. pH-triggering systems mostly depend on specific designs of DNA sequences. However, sequence-independent regulation could provide a more general tool to achieve pH-responsive DNA assembly, which has yet to be developed. Herein, we propose a mechanism for dynamic DNA assembly by utilizing ethylenediamine (EN) as a reversibly chargeable (via protonation) molecule to overcome electrostatic repulsions. This strategy provides a universal pH-responsivity for DNA assembly since the regulation originates from externally co-existing EN rather than specific DNA sequences. Furthermore, it endows structural DNA nanotechnology with the benefits of a metal-ion-free environment including nuclease resistance. The concept could in principle be expanded to other organic molecules which may bring unique controls to dynamic DNA assembly.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
