Smart nanodevices that integrate molecular recognition and signal production hold great promise for the point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications. A novel DNA-mediated proximity assembly circuit (DPAC) of biochemical reactions is developed which can detect various bio-targets and report easy-to-read signals. The assembly circuit is regulated by a DNA logic-AND-gate module, which is comprised of a DNA hairpin-locked catalytic cofactor and a toehold or an aptamer. Targets of nucleic acids, small molecules, or proteins trigger the conformational switch of DPAC by dynamic mechanisms of toehold-mediated strand displacement or aptamer switch and expose the cofactor. When enzyme/cofactor pair actuates a reaction, colorimetric or fluorescence signals are produced and detected. DPAC can be optimized to detect a wide range of biotargets. The molecular sensing of adenosine and COVID-19 virus is explored.

DNA-mediated proximity assembly circuit sensor for molecular sensing

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.