Temporal control of i-motif switch lifetimes for autonomous operation of transient DNA nanostructures. Issue 5 (11th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heinen, L.; Walther, A.
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 8:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 4100
• Page End: 4107
• Publication Date: 2017-04-11
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00646b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : System integration of the DNA i-motif switch with a tunable pH environment allows programmable lifetimes of DNA duplex hybridization and higher level self-assemblies in closed and autonomous systems. Abstract : Functional DNA nanotechnology creates increasingly complex behaviors useful for sensing, actuation or computation, as enabled via the integration of dynamic and responsive structural DNA motifs. However, temporally controlled and dynamic DNA structures with programmable lifetimes, that are able to operate autonomously and self-revert to the starting state are challenging to achieve due to tedious and very system-specific sequence design. Here, we present a straightforward concept to program transient lifetimes into DNA duplexes based on the pH-sensitive DNA i-motif switch. We integrate the i-motif switch with an internal, non-linear pH-resetting function using a rationally designed chemical reaction framework, by which the switch autonomously undergoes a complete "off–on–off"-cycle without the use of additional external triggers. The lifetime of the activated "on"-state ( i.e. the hybridized state) can be systematically programmed over several hours. The system can be readily implemented into hybrid DNA structures on larger length scales. Focusing on autonomous materials, we demonstrate temporal control of transient fluorescence signals and temporary aggregation of gold nanoparticles.