A biomimetic DNA-based channel for the ligand-controlled transport of charged molecular cargo across a biological membrane

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A biomimetic DNA-based channel for the ligand-controlled transport of charged molecular cargo across a biological membrane

Burns, JR; Seifert, A; Fertig, N; Howorka, S; (2016) A biomimetic DNA-based channel for the ligand-controlled transport of charged molecular cargo across a biological membrane. [Letter]. Nature Nanotechnology , 11 (2) pp. 152-156. 10.1038/nnano.2015.279. Green open access

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Abstract

Biological ion channels are molecular gatekeepers that control transport across cell membranes. Recreating the functional principle of such systems and extending it beyond physiological ionic cargo is both scientifically exciting and technologically relevant to sensing or drug release. However, fabricating synthetic channels with a predictable structure remains a significant challenge. Here, we use DNA as a building material to create an atomistically determined molecular valve that can control when and which cargo is transported across a bilayer. The valve, which is made from seven concatenated DNA strands, can bind a specific ligand and, in response, undergo a nanomechanical change to open up the membrane-spanning channel. It is also able to distinguish with high selectivity the transport of small organic molecules that differ by the presence of a positively or negatively charged group. The DNA device could be used for controlled drug release and the building of synthetic cell-like or logic ionic networks.

Type:	Article
Title:	A biomimetic DNA-based channel for the ligand-controlled transport of charged molecular cargo across a biological membrane
Open access status:	An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI:	10.1038/nnano.2015.279
Publisher version:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2015.279
Language:	English
Additional information:	Copyright © 2015 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Keywords:	Nanopores; Nanostructures
UCL classification:	UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Chemistry
URI:	https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1474103