Upconversion Luminescence-Controlled DNA Computation for Spatiotemporally Resolved, Multiplexed Molecular Imaging

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• DNA molecular circuits offer powerful information processing capabilities.
• Conventional circuits lack temporal and spatial control, limiting precise biological computation.
• Developing controllable DNA circuits is crucial for advanced molecular diagnostics and in vivo applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel methodology for constructing photonic nanocircuits for precise DNA molecular computation.
• To achieve spatial and temporal control over DNA circuit activation and operation.
• To demonstrate the versatility of the approach with complex logic gates and in vivo applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized structure-switching aptamers and toehold-mediated strand exchange for DNA circuit conformational changes.
• Employed near-infrared (NIR) light for remote, spatially restricted activation of the nanocircuits.
• Designed and tested complex logic gates (OR-AND) for versatile computation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated NIR-light-gated DNA nanocircuits for precise in vitro and in vivo molecular computation.
• Achieved spatial and temporal control over DNA circuit activation, enabling multiplexed imaging.
• Successfully designed and implemented an OR-AND-gated nanocircuit, showcasing the system's versatility.

Conclusions:

• Upconversion nanotechnology can serve as a regulatory tool for spatiotemporal control of DNA computation.
• The developed photonic nanocircuits offer precise control over timing and location for DNA-based molecular computation.
• This approach holds significant potential for advanced applications in cellular imaging and in vivo diagnostics.