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Dynamic Switchable and Transient DNA Condensates Driven by Aptamer-Ligand or Ion-Nucleobase Bridged Complexes
Yichen Han1, Yang Sung Sohn2, Rachel Nechushtai2
1The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed switchable DNA coacervates using metal ions and aptamers. These DNA-based microdroplets can dynamically form, dissociate, and deplete in response to specific triggers, enabling novel responsive materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- DNA-based coacervates offer tunable material properties.
- Dynamic control over phase separation is crucial for responsive systems.
- Metal ions and aptamers can mediate DNA self-assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce phase-separated DNA coacervates with switchable and transient properties.
- To demonstrate dynamic control over coacervate formation and dissociation.
- To explore aptamer-ligand interactions for responsive condensate behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Y-shaped DNA modules crosslinked by palindromic strands.
- Employing metal ions (Ag+, Hg2+) for cooperative stabilization and ligands (MEA, DMSA) for dissociation.
- Integrating aptamer-ligand complexes (adenosine/aptamer) for stimuli-responsive control.
- Investigating biocatalytic depletion using adenosine deaminase (ADA).
Main Results:
- Successfully formed phase-separated DNA coacervates using metal-ion crosslinking.
- Demonstrated switchable formation and dissociation of coacervates by cyclic addition/removal of ions and ligands.
- Achieved transient, dissipative depletion of condensates triggered by aptamer-ligand interactions and biocatalysis.
- Developed adenosine-responsive microdroplets exhibiting dynamic temporal reassembly.
Conclusions:
- DNA coacervates can be engineered for dynamic, switchable, and transient behaviors.
- Metal-ion and aptamer-based strategies provide versatile control over DNA condensate properties.
- These responsive DNA materials hold potential for applications in sensing, drug delivery, and dynamic systems.
