Threshold-Gated DNA Nanocages Enable Programmable Quorum-Like Sensing in Vesicle Communities.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Synthetic Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Microorganisms form communities using quorum sensing for collective behavior.
• Artificial communities lack precise control over density-dependent, threshold-triggered responses.
• Extracellular vesicles offer a model for natural community systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a programmable system for artificial microbial communities with quorum-like sensing.
• To engineer threshold-switchable interfacial gating mechanisms for community assembly.
• To create multimodal communities with controlled spatial organization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized extracellular vesicles as a model community system.
• Employed programmable, threshold-gated DNA nanocages for surface encapsulation.
• Constructed dual-component multimodal communities (homogeneous, core-shell, heterogeneous).
• Implemented pH gating with H+ from a GOX-CAT circuit as the autoinducer.

Main Results:

• Achieved density-dependent signal accumulation and threshold-triggered reversible structural switching.
• Demonstrated quorum-like sensing behaviors in vesicle-based communities.
• Preserved individual vesicle integrity during community assembly, preventing membrane fusion.

Conclusions:

• The DNA nanocage encapsulation platform enables programmable artificial communities with quorum-like sensing.
• This system provides a general model for studying community organization and cooperative behaviors.
• Potential applications include biomimetic sensing, smart materials, and stimulus-responsive delivery systems.