A molecular beacon-based DNA switch for reversible pH sensing in vesicles and live cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• pH monitoring is crucial in biological systems.
• Existing pH sensors often require complex delivery methods.
• Molecular beacons offer potential for sensitive molecular detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, efficient, and reversible pH sensing probe.
• To demonstrate the utility of a DNA switch in biological environments.
• To overcome limitations of current pH sensing technologies.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of a linear molecular beacon-based DNA switch (LMB).
• Characterization of LMB structural transitions in response to pH changes.
• In vitro testing in synthetic vesicles.
• In vivo testing in live cells.

Main Results:

• LMB demonstrated efficient and reversible structural transitions between closed (molecular beacon) and open (A-motif) states.
• The probe functioned effectively within synthetic vesicles.
• LMB successfully operated in live cells without requiring transfection agents.
• High sensitivity and reversibility in pH sensing were observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed LMB is a highly efficient and reversible pH sensing probe.
• LMB shows promise for intracellular pH monitoring due to its label-free and transfection-free application.
• This technology offers a new tool for biological and biomedical research requiring precise pH detection.