Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
07:59
Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
15.2K
A pH-stable dynamic DNA nanomachine with controllable conformational switching
Lixuan Lin1,2, Kaiyi Liang3, Xiuli Gao4
1CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 China.
Nanoscale Advances
|March 9, 2026
Summary
Dynamic DNA nanomachines are sensitive to pH changes. This study shows a six-helix DNA nanomachine (6H-NNM) remains stable and functional across a wide pH range, even in acidic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Physiological pH variability challenges DNA nanomachine stability and function.
- Dynamic DNA devices require robust performance across diverse biological environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pH stability and functional performance of a six-helix DNA nanomachine (6H-NNM).
- To establish a performance benchmark for dynamic DNA devices in biologically relevant conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of 6H-NNM performance across a pH range of 5-9.
- Assessment of structural integrity and functional switching under varying pH, including acidic conditions.
Main Results:
- The 6H-NNM demonstrated reversible, strand-displacement-driven conformational switching across pH 5-9.
- The nanomachine maintained >81% structural integrity after 8 hours and remained functional in lysosome-mimicking acidic conditions.
Conclusions:
- The 6H-NNM exhibits significant stability and functionality across a broad physiological pH range.
- This study provides a framework for evaluating and benchmarking dynamic DNA devices for biological applications.
