Nucleic Acid Based Constitutional Dynamic Networks: From Basic Principles to Applications

Liang Yue, Shan Wang, Zhixin Zhou, Itamar Willner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inspired by nature where intracellular dynamic interactions between DNA, RNA and proteins processed within complex networks leading to programmed reaction patterns, extensive research efforts are directed to mimic these processes by chemical means, "Systems Chemistry". The present perspective introduces nucleic acids as functional modules to construct constitutional dynamic networks, CDNs, mimicking natural networks. The base sequences comprising nucleic acids provide a rich "tool box"to assemble signal-triggered reconfigurable CDNs revealing adaptive and hierarchically adaptive properties, intercommunication between CDNs, and feedback-driven reaction pathways similar to natural systems. Pathways for the evolution of CDNs and the formation of networks of enhanced complexities are discussed. Different applications of constitutional dynamic networks are introduced including programmed catalysis, CDN-guided optical and catalytic functions of nanoparticle aggregates, and CDN-dictated stiffness and self-healing functions of hydrogels. Future perspectives of the field in designing dissipative transient CDNs, CDNs-guided transcription/translation synthesis of selective proteins, and the challenging integration of CDNs into cell-like containments aiming to assemble "artificial cells"are addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21577-21594
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume142
Issue number52
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 Dec 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 American Chemical Society.

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