title: A smart DNA tetrahedron that isothermally assembles or dissociates in response to the solution pH value changes.
abstract: This communication reports a DNA tetrahedron whose self-assembly is triggered by an acidic environment. The key element is the formation/dissociation of a short, cytosine (C)-containing, DNA triplex. As the solution pH value oscillates between 5.0 and 8.0, the DNA triplex will form and dissociate that, in turn, leads to assembly or disassembly of the DNA tetrahedron, which has been demonstrated by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). We believe that such environment-responsive behavior will be important for potential applications of DNA nanocages such as on-demand drug release.
authors: Department of Chemistry, Purdue University , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.
authors: Zhiyu
authors: Z
authors: Liu
authors: Yingmei
authors: Y
authors: Li
authors: Cheng
authors: C
authors: Tian
authors: Chengde
authors: C
authors: Mao
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D063347:Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D004247:DNA