Chromophore-assisted light inactivation
(CALI) is a powerful tool for analyzing protein functions due to the
high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. In this work, we demonstrate
a CALI approach based on conjugated polymers (CPs)/DNA hybrid material
for protein inactivation. The target protein is conjugated with single-stranded
DNA in advance. Single-stranded DNA can form CPs/DNA hybrid material
with cationic CPs via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.
Through the formation of CPs/DNA hybrid material, the target protein
that is conjugated with DNA is brought into close proximity to CPs.
Under irradiation, CPs harvest light and generate reactive oxygen
species (ROS), resulting in the inactivation of the adjacent target
protein. This approach can efficiently inactivate any target protein
which is conjugated with DNA and has good specificity and universality,
providing a new strategy for studies of protein function and adjustment
of protein activity
