1
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Schaffter SW, Kengmana E, Fern J, Byrne SR, Schulman R. Strategies to Reduce Promoter-Independent Transcription of DNA Nanostructures and Strand Displacement Complexes. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1964-1977. [PMID: 38885464 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophage RNA polymerases, in particular T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP), are well-characterized and popular enzymes for many RNA applications in biotechnology both in vitro and in cellular settings. These monomeric polymerases are relatively inexpensive and have high transcription rates and processivity to quickly produce large quantities of RNA. T7 RNAP also has high promoter-specificity on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) such that it only initiates transcription downstream of its 17-base promoter site on dsDNA templates. However, there are many promoter-independent T7 RNAP transcription reactions involving transcription initiation in regions of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) that have been reported and characterized. These promoter-independent transcription reactions are important to consider when using T7 RNAP transcriptional systems for DNA nanotechnology and DNA computing applications, in which ssDNA domains often stabilize, organize, and functionalize DNA nanostructures and facilitate strand displacement reactions. Here we review the existing literature on promoter-independent transcription by bacteriophage RNA polymerases with a specific focus on T7 RNAP, and provide examples of how promoter-independent reactions can disrupt the functionality of DNA strand displacement circuit components and alter the stability and functionality of DNA-based materials. We then highlight design strategies for DNA nanotechnology applications that can mitigate the effects of promoter-independent T7 RNAP transcription. The design strategies we present should have an immediate impact by increasing the rate of success of using T7 RNAP for applications in DNA nanotechnology and DNA computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Schaffter
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Eli Kengmana
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Joshua Fern
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Shane R Byrne
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Rebecca Schulman
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
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2
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Samanta A, Baranda Pellejero L, Masukawa M, Walther A. DNA-empowered synthetic cells as minimalistic life forms. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:454-470. [PMID: 38750171 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells, the fundamental units of life, orchestrate intricate functions - motility, adaptation, replication, communication, and self-organization within tissues. Originating from spatiotemporally organized structures and machinery, coupled with information processing in signalling networks, cells embody the 'sensor-processor-actuator' paradigm. Can we glean insights from these processes to construct primitive artificial systems with life-like properties? Using de novo design approaches, what can we uncover about the evolutionary path of life? This Review discusses the strides made in crafting synthetic cells, utilizing the powerful toolbox of structural and dynamic DNA nanoscience. We describe how DNA can serve as a versatile tool for engineering entire synthetic cells or subcellular entities, and how DNA enables complex behaviour, including motility and information processing for adaptive and interactive processes. We chart future directions for DNA-empowered synthetic cells, envisioning interactive systems wherein synthetic cells communicate within communities and with living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Samanta
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
| | | | - Marcos Masukawa
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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3
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Zhou F, Ni H, Zhu G, Bershadsky L, Sha R, Seeman NC, Chaikin PM. Toward three-dimensional DNA industrial nanorobots. Sci Robot 2023; 8:eadf1274. [PMID: 38055806 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adf1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Nanoscale industrial robots have potential as manufacturing platforms and are capable of automatically performing repetitive tasks to handle and produce nanomaterials with consistent precision and accuracy. We demonstrate a DNA industrial nanorobot that fabricates a three-dimensional (3D), optically active chiral structure from optically inactive parts. By making use of externally controlled temperature and ultraviolet (UV) light, our programmable robot, ~100 nanometers in size, grabs different parts, positions and aligns them so that they can be welded, releases the construct, and returns to its original configuration ready for its next operation. Our robot can also self-replicate its 3D structure and functions, surpassing single-step templating (restricted to two dimensions) by using folding to access the third dimension and more degrees of freedom. Our introduction of multiple-axis precise folding and positioning as a tool/technology for nanomanufacturing will open the door to more complex and useful nano- and microdevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
- Ningbo Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo, China
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heng Ni
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Guolong Zhu
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, USA
| | - Lev Bershadsky
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruojie Sha
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul M Chaikin
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Jahnke K, Göpfrich K. Engineering DNA-based cytoskeletons for synthetic cells. Interface Focus 2023; 13:20230028. [PMID: 37577007 PMCID: PMC10415745 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and bottom-up assembly of synthetic cells with a functional cytoskeleton sets a major milestone to understand cell mechanics and to develop man-made machines on the nano- and microscale. However, natural cytoskeletal components can be difficult to purify, deliberately engineer and reconstitute within synthetic cells which therefore limits the realization of multifaceted functions of modern cytoskeletons in synthetic cells. Here, we review recent progress in the development of synthetic cytoskeletons made from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as a complementary strategy. In particular, we explore the capabilities and limitations of DNA cytoskeletons to mimic functions of natural cystoskeletons like reversible assembly, cargo transport, force generation, mechanical support and guided polymerization. With recent examples, we showcase the power of rationally designed DNA cytoskeletons for bottom-up assembled synthetic cells as fully engineerable entities. Nevertheless, the realization of dynamic instability, self-replication and genetic encoding as well as contractile force generating motors remains a fruitful challenge for the complete integration of multifunctional DNA-based cytoskeletons into synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jahnke
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Göpfrich
- Biophysical Engineering Group, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Zhang Y, Yang D, Wang P, Ke Y. Building Large DNA Bundles via Controlled Hierarchical Assembly of DNA Tubes. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37207344 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Structural DNA nanotechnology is capable of fabricating designer nanoscale artificial architectures. Developing simple and yet versatile assembly methods to construct large DNA structures of defined spatial features and dynamic capabilities has remained challenging. Herein, we designed a molecular assembly system where DNA tiles can assemble into tubes and then into large one-dimensional DNA bundles following a hierarchical pathway. A cohesive link was incorporated into the tile to induce intertube binding for the formation of DNA bundles. DNA bundles with length of dozens of micrometers and width of hundreds of nanometers were produced, whose assembly was revealed to be collectively determined by cationic strength and linker designs (binding strength, spacer length, linker position, etc.). Furthermore, multicomponent DNA bundles with programmable spatial features and compositions were realized by using various distinct tile designs. Lastly, we implemented dynamic capability into large DNA bundles to realize reversible reconfigurations among tile, tube, and bundles following specific molecular stimulations. We envision this assembly strategy can enrich the toolbox of DNA nanotechnology for rational design of large-size DNA materials of defined features and properties that may be applied to a variety of fields in materials science, synthetic biology, biomedical science, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Donglei Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Center for DNA Information Storage, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Center for DNA Information Storage, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yonggang Ke
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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6
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Zhang P, Ouyang Y, Zhuo Y, Chai Y, Yuan R. Recent Advances in DNA Nanostructures Applied in Sensing Interfaces and Cellular Imaging. Anal Chem 2023; 95:407-419. [PMID: 36625113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Yu Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P.R. China.,Institute of Chemistry, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Ying Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Yaqin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P.R. China
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7
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Abstract
The cytoskeleton is an essential component of a cell. It controls the cell shape, establishes the internal organization, and performs vital biological functions. Building synthetic cytoskeletons that mimic key features of their natural counterparts delineates a crucial step towards synthetic cells assembled from the bottom up. To this end, DNA nanotechnology represents one of the most promising routes, given the inherent sequence specificity, addressability and programmability of DNA. Here we demonstrate functional DNA-based cytoskeletons operating in microfluidic cell-sized compartments. The synthetic cytoskeletons consist of DNA tiles self-assembled into filament networks. These filaments can be rationally designed and controlled to imitate features of natural cytoskeletons, including reversible assembly and ATP-triggered polymerization, and we also explore their potential for guided vesicle transport in cell-sized confinement. Also, they possess engineerable characteristics, including assembly and disassembly powered by DNA hybridization or aptamer–target interactions and autonomous transport of gold nanoparticles. This work underpins DNA nanotechnology as a key player in building synthetic cells. ![]()
Cytoskeletons are essential components of cells that perform a variety of tasks, and artificial cytoskeletons that perform these functions are required for the bottom-up assembly of synthetic cells. Now, a multi-functional cytoskeleton mimic has been engineered from DNA, consisting of confined DNA filaments that are capable of reversible self-assembly and transport of gold nanoparticles and vesicular cargo.
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8
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Lanphere C, Ciccone J, Dorey A, Hagleitner-Ertuğrul N, Knyazev D, Haider S, Howorka S. Triggered Assembly of a DNA-Based Membrane Channel. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4333-4344. [PMID: 35253434 PMCID: PMC8931747 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemistry is in a powerful position to synthetically replicate biomolecular structures. Adding functional complexity is key to increase the biomimetics' value for science and technology yet is difficult to achieve with poorly controlled building materials. Here, we use defined DNA blocks to rationally design a triggerable synthetic nanopore that integrates multiple functions of biological membrane proteins. Soluble triggers bind via molecular recognition to the nanopore components changing their structure and membrane position, which controls the assembly into a defined channel for efficient transmembrane cargo transport. Using ensemble, single-molecule, and simulation analysis, our activatable pore provides insight into the kinetics and structural dynamics of DNA assembly at the membrane interface. The triggered channel advances functional DNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology and will guide the design of controlled nanodevices for sensing, cell biological research, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Lanphere
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonah Ciccone
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Dorey
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Denis Knyazev
- Institute
of Applied Experimental Biophysics, Johannes
Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria
| | - Shozeb Haider
- Department
of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, University College London School of Pharmacy, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Howorka
- Department
of Chemistry, Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom
- Institute
of Applied Experimental Biophysics, Johannes
Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria
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9
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Kahn J, Xiong Y, Huang J, Gang O. Cascaded Enzyme Reactions over a Three-Dimensional, Wireframe DNA Origami Scaffold. JACS AU 2022; 2:357-366. [PMID: 35252986 PMCID: PMC8889550 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology has increasingly been used as a platform to scaffold enzymes based on its unmatched ability to structure enzymes in a desired format. The capability to organize enzymes has taken many forms from more traditional 2D pairings on individual scaffolds to recent works introducing enzyme organizations in 3D lattices. As the ability to define nanoscale structure has grown, it is critical to fully deconstruct the impact of enzyme organization at the single-scaffold level. Here, we present an open, three-dimensional (3D) DNA wireframe octahedron which is used to create a library of spatially arranged organizations of glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase. We explore the contribution of enzyme spacing, arrangement, and location on the 3D scaffold to cascade activity. The experiments provide insight into enzyme scaffold design, including the insignificance of scaffold sequence makeup on activity, an increase in activity at small enzyme spacings of <10 nm, and activity changes that arise from discontinuities in scaffold architecture. Most notably, the experiments allow us to determine that enzyme colocalization itself on the DNA scaffold dominates over any specific enzyme arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason
S. Kahn
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - James Huang
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Oleg Gang
- Center
for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Department
of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York New York 10027, United States
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10
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Agarwal S, Klocke MA, Pungchai PE, Franco E. Dynamic self-assembly of compartmentalized DNA nanotubes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3557. [PMID: 34117248 PMCID: PMC8196065 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23850-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology aims to engineer artificial cells capable of responsive behaviors by using a minimal set of molecular components. An important challenge toward this goal is the development of programmable biomaterials that can provide active spatial organization in cell-sized compartments. Here, we demonstrate the dynamic self-assembly of nucleic acid (NA) nanotubes inside water-in-oil droplets. We develop methods to encapsulate and assemble different types of DNA nanotubes from programmable DNA monomers, and demonstrate temporal control of assembly via designed pathways of RNA production and degradation. We examine the dynamic response of encapsulated nanotube assembly and disassembly with the support of statistical analysis of droplet images. Our study provides a toolkit of methods and components to build increasingly complex and functional NA materials to mimic life-like functions in synthetic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Agarwal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Melissa A Klocke
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Passa E Pungchai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elisa Franco
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Gentile S, Del Grosso E, Prins LJ, Ricci F. Reorganization of Self‐Assembled DNA‐Based Polymers using Orthogonally Addressable Building Blocks**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Gentile
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Erica Del Grosso
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Leonard J. Prins
- Department of Chemical Sciences University of Padua Via Marzolo 1 35131 Padua Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
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12
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Gentile S, Del Grosso E, Prins LJ, Ricci F. Reorganization of Self‐Assembled DNA‐Based Polymers using Orthogonally Addressable Building Blocks**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:12911-12917. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Gentile
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Erica Del Grosso
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Leonard J. Prins
- Department of Chemical Sciences University of Padua Via Marzolo 1 35131 Padua Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Department of Chemistry University of Rome, Tor Vergata Via della Ricerca Scientifica 00133 Rome Italy
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