A universal sensing platform based on the repair ligation-mediated light-producing DNA machine

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Existing biosensing methods often require external reagents or excitation light, increasing complexity and cost.
• Developing self-reporting biosensors is crucial for simplifying detection processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel DNA machine capable of producing light through DNA cleavage and ligation.
• To demonstrate the application of this light-producing DNA machine for sensitive and selective detection of various analytes.

Main Methods:

• The study designed a DNA machine that converts repetitive DNA cleavage/ligation motions into optical energy.
• The system operates without the need for external reporting reagents or excitation light.

Main Results:

• The DNA machine successfully produced light through intrinsic DNA repair mechanisms.
• The system demonstrated sensitive and selective detection of DNA, thrombin, adenosine, potassium ions (K+), and endonuclease.
• Detection was effective even in complex matrices such as human serum.

Conclusions:

• The repair ligation-mediated light-producing DNA machine offers a novel, reagentless, and excitation-free approach for biosensing.
• This technology holds significant potential for sensitive and selective molecular detection in biological samples.