A Smart DNA
Tetrahedron That Isothermally Assembles or Dissociates in Response
to the Solution pH Value Changes
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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