Stimulus-Responsive Catalytic Nanosystems Based on DNA-Encoded Copper Nanoclusters and the DNA Allosteric Effect

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Biochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• DNA-encoded nanomaterials offer tunable properties based on sequence and structure.
• DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (DNA-CuNCs) are promising catalytic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stimulus-responsive catalytic nanosystems using DNA-CuNCs.
• To investigate the regulation of DNA-CuNC catalytic activity via DNA structure and allosteric effects.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of DNA-CuNCs using poly guanine (5G DNA) as a template.
• Investigating the catalytic activity of 5G-CuNCs towards 4-nitrophenol reduction.
• Exploring the inhibition and restoration of catalytic activity by manipulating DNA structures (duplex poly(AT) vs. triplex poly(TAT)).

Main Results:

• 5G-CuNCs exhibit stable catalytic activity.
• Diverse DNA structures were found to inhibit 5G-CuNC activity.
• Switchable catalytic activity was achieved by transitioning between duplex poly(AT) and triplex poly(TAT) DNA structures, restoring activity from an inhibited state.

Conclusions:

• DNA structure dictates the catalytic properties of DNA-CuNCs.
• Fuel-driven DNA allostery enables reversible regulation of catalytic activity.
• These switchable nanosystems show potential for sensing applications, including early cancer biomarker detection.