pH-Driven Reversible Self-Assembly of Micron-Scale DNA Scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic materials science
• Synthetic biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cytoskeletal scaffolds exhibit dynamic reconfiguration in response to environmental stimuli.
• Controlling synthetic nanostructures with external chemical inputs remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pH-responsive system for dynamic and reversible control of synthetic DNA structures.
• To demonstrate the self-assembly and disassembly of micron-scale DNA scaffolds using pH changes.

Main Methods:

• Rational design of synthetic DNA strands acting as sensors, regulators, and structural elements.
• Utilizing pH changes to trigger sensor strands, which then direct regulatory strands.
• Observing the self-assembly of structural elements into tubular DNA scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated dynamic and reversible control over the growth and breakage of micron-scale synthetic DNA structures.
• Successfully assembled and disassembled DNA scaffolds using external pH input, distinct from DNA-based triggers.
• Established a pH-responsive system for modulating nanostructure size.

Conclusions:

• This work presents the first instance of reversible assembly/disassembly of micron-scale DNA scaffolds controlled by external chemical input (pH).
• The ability to reversibly modulate nanostructure size opens avenues for developing smart devices in catalysis and drug delivery.