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Antigen-Triggered Logic-Gating of DNA Nanodevices
Wouter Engelen1,2, Christian Sigl1,2, Karoline Kadletz1,2
1Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Physics Department, Technical University of Munich, Garching near Munich 85748, Germany.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|December 20, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed dynamic DNA nanodevices that change shape when detecting specific antigens using IgG antibodies. This antigen-triggered reconfiguration enables controlled payload release for diagnostics and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dynamic synthetic nanoscale devices offer potential for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Controlling the state of DNA nanodevices in response to biological signals is crucial for their application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for controlling DNA nanodevice states using antigen-sensing IgG antibodies.
- To demonstrate antigen-triggered reconfiguration and payload release from DNA nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized IgG antibodies as structural components to kinetically trap DNA origami structures in metastable states.
- Triggered DNA nanodevice reconfiguration by adding soluble antigens that displace IgGs.
- Demonstrated logic-gated actuation using combinations of antigens for AND-type DNA shells.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated antigen-triggered disassembly of DNA origami shells for specific IgG-antigen pairs, with determined dose-response curves.
- Showcased logic-gated control, where DNA objects reconfigure only upon simultaneous detection of multiple antigens.
- Applied the system to release encapsulated molecular payloads, including virus particles, from DNA nanostructures.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel strategy for antigen-controlled DNA nanodevice actuation using IgG antibodies.
- The system enables precise triggering of nanodevice reconfiguration and payload release.
- This approach is versatile and applicable to various DNA nanostructures and IgG-antigen systems for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

