Acoustic characterization of nanoswitch structures: application to the DNA Holliday Junction

A novel biophysical approach in combination with an acoustic device is demonstrated as a sensitive, rapid, and label-free technique for characterizing various structures of the DNA Holliday Junction (J1) nanoswitch. We were successful in discriminating the "closed" from the "open" state, as well as confirming that the digestion of the J1 junction resulted in the two, anticipated, rod-shaped, 20 bp long fragments. Furthermore, we propose a possible structure for the ∼10 nm long (DNA58) component participating in the J1 assembly. This work reveals the potential of acoustic devices as a powerful tool for molecular conformation studies.