Sustained, Reversible, and Adaptive Non-Equilibrium Steady States of a Dissipative DNA-Based System

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Chemical Systems Biology
• DNA Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nature utilizes continuous energy dissipation to maintain adaptable non-equilibrium steady states (NESS).
• Existing chemical fuel-driven supramolecular systems often rely on batch additions, leading to transient states.
• DNA-based systems have been explored for energy-dissipating mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate sustained non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) in a dissipative DNA strand-displacement reaction.
• To develop a system that mimics biological adaptability through continuous energy dissipation.
• To achieve on-the-fly control over a DNA nanosystem.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dissipative DNA strand-displacement reaction.
• Employed a custom automated open semi-batch reactor for continuous RNA fuel supply.
• Implemented tunable fuel infusion rates and in situ analysis.
• Applied kinetic modeling to analyze reaction network and confirm steady states.

Main Results:

• Achieved sustained non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) through continuous RNA fuel infusion.
• Demonstrated real-time dynamic adaptation to variations in fuel supply, similar to biological systems.
• Confirmed that observed steady states represent true non-equilibrium compositions via kinetic modeling.
• Showcased superior on-the-fly control compared to batch conditions.

Conclusions:

• Sustained NESS in DNA nanosystems can be achieved via continuous fuel supply in open reactors.
• This approach offers dynamic adaptability and precise control, mirroring biological systems.
• The developed system provides a novel platform for advanced DNA-based nanotechnology and chemical biology.