Light Regulation of DNA Minicircle Dimerization by Utilizing Azobenzene C-Nucleosides

Although DNA has the ability to form almost every desired shape, the usability of DNA nanostructures can be limited due to the lack of functionality. To functionalize nanoscale structures, light-responsive moieties like photoswitchable azobenzenes can be introduced into DNA. Upon UV irradiation, the isomerization of the azobenzene moiety causes destabilization of the neighboring base pairs leading to decreased binding ability. The linker strategy of the azobenzene to the DNA alters the performance of the switching behavior significantly. We hereby report the utilization of four different azobenzene C-nucleosides and compare their features in a nanoarchitecture model with the help of gel-electrophoresis and atomic force microscope-imaging.