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Updated: Dec 1, 2025

A Method for Selecting Structure-switching Aptamers Applied to a Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Assay

A Method for Selecting Structure-switching Aptamers Applied to a Colorimetric Gold Nanoparticle Assay

Published on: February 28, 2015

Engineering Aptamer Switches for Multifunctional Stimulus-Responsive Nanosystems.

Alexandra E Rangel^1,2,3, Amani A Hariri^1,2,3, Michael Eisenstein^1,2,3

¹Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)

|November 9, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nucleic acids like RNA and DNA can act as smart materials, switching functions in response to stimuli. This review explores their potential in developing advanced, biologically based smart materials.

Keywords:

aptamers molecular switches nucleic acids stimulus responsive material

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Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami

Published on: December 3, 2015

Area of Science:

Biomolecular Engineering
Materials Science
Synthetic Biology

Background:

Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) possess functions beyond encoding biological information, including molecular recognition and catalysis.
Predictable base-pairing properties of nucleic acids are being leveraged to create functional materials.
The field of nucleic acid-based smart materials is rapidly evolving, building on aptamer and ribozyme research.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the progress in utilizing nucleic acids as externally controllable switching materials.
To explore diverse mechanisms triggering stimulus responses in nucleic acid materials.
To discuss strategies for engineering these functionalities into synthetic nucleic acid-based systems.

Main Methods:

Review of current research on nucleic acid-based smart materials.
Analysis of stimulus-responsive mechanisms (light, pH, ligand-binding).
Exploration of engineering strategies for functional nucleic acid materials.

Main Results:

Nucleic acids can be engineered into "smart materials" that switch functions based on external cues.
Diverse stimuli, including light and pH, can trigger responses in these nucleic acid systems.
Aptamer switches are being integrated into complex nanostructures and functionalized materials.

Conclusions:

Nucleic acid-based smart materials offer significant potential for applications in signaling and controlled release.
Continued research into stimulus-response mechanisms and engineering strategies will drive innovation.
Integration into advanced nanostructures and functionalized materials highlights the growing maturity of this field.