Abstract
(Figure Presented) The base sequence of nucleic acid encodes structural and functional properties into the biopolymer. Structural information includes the formation of duplexes, G-quadruplexes, i-motif, and cooperatively stabilized assemblies. Functional information encoded in the base sequence involves the strand-displacement process, the recognition properties by aptamers, and the catalytic functions of DNAzymes. This Review addresses the implementation of the information encoded in nucleic acids to develop DNA switches. A DNA switch is a supramolecular nucleic acid assembly that undergoes cyclic, switchable, transitions between two distinct states in the presence of appropriate triggers and counter triggers, such as pH value, metal ions/ligands, photonic and electrical stimuli. Applications of switchable DNA systems to tailor switchable DNA hydrogels, for the controlled drug-release and for the activation of switchable enzyme cascades, are described, and future perspectives of the systems are addressed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1098-1129 |
Number of pages | 32 |
Journal | Angewandte Chemie - International Edition |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 19 Jan 2015 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.
Keywords
- DNA machines
- DNA switches
- DNAzymes
- Electrochemistry
- Photochemistry