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Light-Gated Cargo Capture and Release Through Backbone-Functionalized DNA Amphiphiles
Lachlan B Cox1,2, Joris Crepaldi1, Isis A Middleton1,2
1School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed DNA-based systems that reversibly assemble and disassemble using light. These systems can capture and release hydrophobic cargo multiple times, offering a robust platform for light-controlled applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- DNA nanotechnology enables the creation of complex structures.
- Photoswitchable molecules can alter material properties in response to light.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop light-responsive DNA-based systems for cargo capture and release.
- To investigate the reversibility and robustness of these systems.
Main Methods:
- Functionalizing DNA strands with photoswitches.
- Utilizing orthogonal light triggers (530 nm and 365 nm) for assembly and disassembly.
- Characterizing the cargo capture and release cycles.
Main Results:
- DNA strands reversibly assembled into spherical micelles upon green light exposure.
- Hydrophobic cargo was captured and released upon disassembly with UV light.
- The system demonstrated at least 10 cycles of capture and release without fatigue.
- Postsynthetic modification allowed location-specific attachment of photoswitches without affecting DNA recognition.
Conclusions:
- DNA amphiphiles serve as robust platforms for light-controlled structural switching.
- This technology enables efficient, reversible cargo handling using orthogonal light triggers.
- The developed system offers a versatile approach for nanotechnology and drug delivery applications.
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