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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Cells from Programmable Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Published on: May 31, 2024

Molecular recruitment and release using DNA host condensates.

Heather Romero Mercieca¹, Diana McGrory¹, Brian Perlstein²

¹Department of Bioengineering, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. efranco@seas.ucla.edu.

Nanoscale Horizons

|March 3, 2026

Summary

Researchers engineered DNA nanostar condensates that can capture and release specific biomolecules like streptavidin. Aptamer placement on the nanostar did not affect capture or release, showing robust design for synthetic biology.

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Area of Science:

Synthetic Biology
Biomolecular Engineering
Materials Science

Background:

Artificial biomolecular condensates enable spatial self-organization in synthetic cells.
DNA nanostars offer versatile platforms for creating tunable condensates.

Purpose of the Study:

To engineer DNA nanostar condensates capable of recruiting and releasing specific biomolecules.
To investigate the impact of aptamer positioning on nanostar function.

Main Methods:

Incorporation of DNA aptamers into DNA nanostars.
Characterization of condensate formation and biomolecule recruitment (streptavidin).
Demonstration of biomolecule release using complementary oligonucleotides (kleptamers).

Main Results:

DNA nanostars with aptamers successfully formed condensates and recruited streptavidin.
Aptamer location (junction, middle, or tip of arms) did not significantly affect condensation or recruitment.
Kleptamers effectively released the captured streptavidin, irrespective of aptamer position.

Conclusions:

DNA nanostar design is robust regarding aptamer placement for biomolecule capture and release.
Engineered DNA condensates show potential for controlled molecular uptake and release in synthetic biology.