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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in DNA Nanosensors – Addressing Sensitivity and Selectivity Challenges in Molecular Detection
Published on: February 9, 2024
Throwing and manipulating and cheating with a DNA nano-dice
Xiaochen Tang1,2, Tianshu Chen1,2, Wenxing Li3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Artificial molecular machines have captured the imagination of researchers, given their clear potential to mimic and influence human life. Key to behavior simulation is to reproduce the specific properties of physical or abstract systems. Dice throwing, as a stochastic model, is commonly used for result judgment or plan decision in real life. In this perspective we utilize DNA cube framework for the design of a dice device at the nanoscale to reproduce probabilistic events in different situations: equal probability, high probability, and low probability. We first discuss the randomness of DNA cube, or dice, adsorbing on graphene oxide, or table, and then explore a series of events that change the probability through the way in which the energy released from entropy-driven strand displacement reactions or changes in intermolecular forces. As such, the DNA nano-dice system provides guideline and possibilities for the design, engineering, and quantification of behavioral probability simulation, a currently emerging area of molecular simulation research.
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