Development of a Robust Model System of FRET using Base Surrogates Tethering Fluorophores for Strict Control of Their Position and Orientation within DNA Duplex

Dark times: iminothioindoxyl-C-nucleoside fluorescence quenchers with defined location and minimal perturbation in DNA

Fluorescence quenchers for application in DNA - like the BHQ family - tend to be large molecules which need to be attached, often post-synthetically, via long linkers. In this study, we present two new iminothioindoxyl-C-nucleosidic quenchers which are very compact, feature a native backbone and can be introduced into DNA via regular solid-phase synthesis. Especially with dT as juxtaposed nucleobase, they have a defined location and orientation in a DNA duplex with minimal perturbation of the structure and hence interaction capabilities. Depending on the nature of the fluorophore, they can be used for orientation-(un)specific FRET studies. Their Förster radius is smaller than the one of BHQ-2. This makes these quenchers ideal for sophisticated studies using conditional quenching in the range between 470 and 670 nm in DNA.

Pursuing excitonic energy transfer with programmable DNA-based optical breadboards

DNA nanotechnology has now enabled the self-assembly of almost any prescribed 3-dimensional nanoscale structure in large numbers and with high fidelity. These structures are also amenable to site-specific modification with a variety of small molecules ranging from drugs to reporter dyes. Beyond obvious application in biotechnology, such DNA structures are being pursued as programmable nanoscale optical breadboards where multiple different/identical fluorophores can be positioned with sub-nanometer resolution in a manner designed to allow them to engage in multistep excitonic energy-transfer (ET) via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or other related processes. Not only is the ability to create such complex optical structures unique, more importantly, the ability to rapidly redesign and prototype almost all structural and optical analogues in a massively parallel format allows for deep insight into the underlying photophysical processes. Dynamic DNA structures further provide the unparalleled capability to reconfigure a DNA scaffold on the fly in situ and thus switch between ET pathways within a given assembly, actively change its properties, and even repeatedly toggle between two states such as on/off. Here, we review progress in developing these composite materials for potential applications that include artificial light harvesting, smart sensors, nanoactuators, optical barcoding, bioprobes, cryptography, computing, charge conversion, and theranostics to even new forms of optical data storage. Along with an introduction into the DNA scaffolding itself, the diverse fluorophores utilized in these structures, their incorporation chemistry, and the photophysical processes they are designed to exploit, we highlight the evolution of DNA architectures implemented in the pursuit of increased transfer efficiency and the key lessons about ET learned from each iteration. We also focus on recent and growing efforts to exploit DNA as a scaffold for assembling molecular dye aggregates that host delocalized excitons as a test bed for creating excitonic circuits and accessing other quantum-like optical phenomena. We conclude with an outlook on what is still required to transition these materials from a research pursuit to application specific prototypes and beyond.

Illuminating miRNA Inhibition: Visualizing the Interaction between Anti-miRNA Oligonucleotide and Target miRNA Using FRET

Anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (anti-miRs) effectively and specifically inhibit the function of individual miRNAs and have the potential to serve as a novel class of nucleic acid therapeutic. However, the details of the mechanisms of anti-miRs in cells have not yet been clarified sufficiently. In particular, the localization of the complexes of anti-miRs and target miRNA in cells remains unclear. We previously developed anti-miRs composed of serinol nucleic acid (SNA) that very effectively inhibited miRNA-mediated silencing activity. Here we describe an imaging system based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) designed by miRNAs labeled with fluorophore-quencher pairs and an SNA-based anti-miR labeled with an acceptor dye. We discovered that the anti-miR hybridizes with the miRNA in the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), which is the active complex formed by miRNA and Ago2 in cells within P-bodies. Based on FRET ratio analysis, we hypothesize that the complex formed by the anti-miR and the miRNA in P-bodies is dynamic, with anti-miR complexing the miRISC, followed by miRNA release and degradation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanism of action of anti-miRs and enable further studies of miRNA-targeted therapeutics.

Double FIT hybridization probes – towards enhancing brightness, turn-on and specificity of RNA detection

Efficient fluorogenic hybridization probes combine high brightness and specificity of fluorescence signaling with large turn-on of fluorescence.

Determination of FRET orientation factor between artificial fluorophore and photosynthetic light-harvesting 2 complex (LH2)

The orientation factor of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between photosynthetic light-harvesting 2 complex (LH2) and artificial fluorophore (Alexa Fluor 647: A647) was theoretically investigated. The orientation factor of 2/3, i.e., the isotropic mean, is widely used to predict the donor–acceptor distance from FRET measurements. However, this approximation seems inappropriate because the movement of A647 is possibly restricted by the bifunctional linker binding to LH2. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and electronic coupling calculations on the LH2-A647 conjugate to analyze its orientation factor. The MD results showed that A647 keeps a position approximately 26 Å away from the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) assembly in LH2. The effective orientation factor was extracted from the electronic coupling calculated using the transition charge from electrostatic potential (TrESP) method. With MD snapshots, an averaged orientation factor was predicted to be 1.55, significantly different from the isotropic mean value. The analysis also suggested that the value of the refractive index employed in the previous studies is not suitable for this system. Furthermore, optimal orientations of A647 with larger orientation factors to improve FRET efficiency were searched using Euler angles. The present approach is useful for extending the applicability of FRET analysis.

Strategies for Controlling the Spatial Orientation of Single Molecules Tethered on DNA Origami Templates Physisorbed on Glass Substrates: Intercalation and Stretching

Nanoarchitectural control of matter is crucial for next-generation technologies. DNA origami templates are harnessed to accurately position single molecules; however, direct single molecule evidence is lacking regarding how well DNA origami can control the orientation of such molecules in three-dimensional space, as well as the factors affecting control. Here, we present two strategies for controlling the polar (θ) and in-plane azimuthal (ϕ) angular orientations of cyanine Cy5 single molecules tethered on rationally-designed DNA origami templates that are physically adsorbed (physisorbed) on glass substrates. By using dipolar imaging to evaluate Cy5's orientation and super-resolution microscopy, the absolute spatial orientation of Cy5 is calculated relative to the DNA template. The sequence-dependent partial intercalation of Cy5 is discovered and supported theoretically using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations, and it is harnessed as our first strategy to achieve θ control for a full revolution with dispersion as small as ±4.5°. In our second strategy, ϕ control is achieved by mechanically stretching the Cy5 from its two tethers, being the dispersion ±10.3° for full stretching. These results can in principle be applied to any single molecule, expanding in this way the capabilities of DNA as a functional templating material for single-molecule orientation control. The experimental and modeling insights provided herein will help engineer similar self-assembling molecular systems based on polymers, such as RNA and proteins.

Understanding Disorder, Vibronic Structure, and Delocalization in Electronically Coupled Dimers on DNA Duplexes

Structural DNA nanotechnology is a promising approach to create chromophore networks with modular structures and Hamiltonians to control the material's functions. The functional behaviors of these systems depend on the interactions of the chromophores' vibronic states, as well as interactions with their environment. To optimize their functions, it is necessary to characterize the chromophore network's structural and energetic properties, including the electronic delocalization in some cases. In this study, parameters of interest are deduced in DNA-scaffolded Cyanine 3 and Cyanine 5 dimers. The methods include steady-state optical measurements, physical modeling, and a genetic algorithm approach. The parameters include the chromophore network's vibronic Hamiltonian, molecular positions, transition dipole orientations, and environmentally induced energy broadening. Additionally, the study uses temperature-dependent optical measurements to characterize the spectral broadening further. These combined results reveal the quantum mechanical delocalization, which is important for functions like coherent energy transport and quantum information applications.

Perylene-Cy3 FRET System to Analyze Photoactive DNA Structures

We report a new Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) system for structural analyses of DNA duplexes using perylene and Cy3 as donor and acceptor, respectively, linked at the termini of a DNA duplex via D-threoninol. Experimentally obtained FRET efficiencies were in good agreement with theoretical values calculated based on canonical B-form DNA. Due to the relatively long Förster radius, this system can be used to analyze large DNA structures, and duplexes containing photo-reactive molecules can be analyzed since perylene can be excited with visible light. The system was used to analyze a DNA duplex containing stilbene, demonstrating that in the region of the stilbene cluster the duplex adopts a ladder-like structure rather than helical one. Upon photodimerization between stilbene residues, FRET efficiencies indicated the reaction does not disturb DNA duplex. This FRET system will be useful for analysis of photoreactions of nucleobases as well as a wide range of nucleic acid structures.

DNA-templated control of chirality and efficient energy transport in supramolecular DNA architectures with aggregation-induced emission

Two conjugates of tetraphenylethylene with d-2′-deoxyuridine (1d) and l-2′-deoxyuridine (1l) were synthesized to construct new supramolecular DNA-architectures by self-assembly. The non-templated assemblies of 1d and 1l show strong aggregation-induced emission and their chirality is exclusively controlled by the configuration of their sugar part. In contrast, the chirality of the DNA-templated assemblies is governed by the configuration of the DNA, and there is no configuration-selective binding of 1d to d-A₂₀ and 1l to l-A₂₀. The quantum yield of the assembly of 1d along the single-stranded DNA A₂₀ is 0.40; approximately every second available binding site on the DNA template is occupied by 1d. The strong aggregation-induced emission of these DNA architectures can be efficiently quenched and the excitation energy can be transported to Atto dyes at the 5′-terminus. A multistep energy transport “hopping” precedes the final energy transfer to the terminal acceptor. The building block 1d promotes this energy transport as stepping stones. This was elucidated by reference DNA double strands in which 1d was covalently incorporated at two distinct sites in the sequences, one near the Atto dye, and one farther away. This new type of completely self-assembled supramolecular DNA architecture is hierarchically ordered and the DNA template controls not only the binding but also the energy transport properties. The high intensity of the aggregation-induced emission and the excellent energy transport properties make these DNA-based materials promising candidates for optoelectronic applications.

DNA architectures with tetraphenylethylene are assembled in a non-covalent way. The strong aggregation-induced emission of the chromophores is quenched and the energy is transported to Atto dyes by a multistep energy “hopping”.

DNA scaffold supports long-lived vibronic coherence in an indodicarbocyanine (Cy5) dimer

Vibronic coupling between pigment molecules is believed to prolong coherences in photosynthetic pigment–protein complexes. Reproducing long-lived coherences using vibronically coupled chromophores in synthetic DNA constructs presents a biomimetic route to efficient artificial light harvesting. Here, we present two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectra of one monomeric Cy5 construct and two dimeric Cy5 constructs (0 bp and 1 bp between dyes) on a DNA scaffold and perform beating frequency analysis to interpret observed coherences. Power spectra of quantum beating signals of the dimers reveal high frequency oscillations that correspond to coherences between vibronic exciton states. Beating frequency maps confirm that these oscillations, 1270 cm⁻¹ and 1545 cm⁻¹ for the 0-bp dimer and 1100 cm⁻¹ for the 1-bp dimer, are coherences between vibronic exciton states and that these coherences persist for ∼300 fs. Our observations are well described by a vibronic exciton model, which predicts the excitonic coupling strength in the dimers and the resulting molecular exciton states. The energy spacing between those states closely corresponds to the observed beat frequencies. MD simulations indicate that the dyes in our constructs lie largely internal to the DNA base stacking region, similar to the native design of biological light harvesting complexes. Observed coherences persist on the timescale of photosynthetic energy transfer yielding further parallels to observed biological coherences, establishing DNA as an attractive scaffold for synthetic light harvesting applications.

Dyes coupled to DNA display distance-dependent vibronic couplings that prolongs quantum coherences detected with 2D spectroscopy.

Determination of association constants and FRET in hydrazide-based molecular duplex strands

The association constants for the hydrazide-based molecular duplex strands can be determined via monitoring the pyrene excimer emission. By mixing pyrene and perylene labelled oligomers, supramolecular substitution reactions induced efficient FRET.

Linear and Kinked Oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s as Ideal Molecular Calibrants for Förster Resonance Energy Transfer

We show that oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s (oligoPEs) are ideal spacers for calibrating dye pairs used for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Ensemble FRET measurements on linear and kinked diads with such spacers show the expected distance and orientation dependence of FRET. Measured FRET efficiencies match excellently with those predicted using a harmonic segmented chain model, which was validated by end-to-end distance distributions obtained from pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance measurements on spin-labeled oligoPEs with comparable label distances.

Influences of Linker and Nucleoside for the Helical Self-Assembly of Perylene Along DNA Templates

Six different conjugates of perylene with 2'-deoxyuridine and with 2-amino-2'-deoxyadenosine were synthesized and applied for DNA-templated assembly in aqueous buffer solutions. They differ by the linkers ethynylene, phenylene, and phenylene-ethynylene between nucleoside and chromophore. The nucleosides were investigated as monomers in CHCl₃ and dimethyl sulfoxide by optical spectroscopy. The properties of the four phenylene-linked conjugates are similar to that of perylene as reference because these linkers separate both aromatic parts. The ethynylene linker electronically couples the chromophore with the respective nucleoside and thus red shifts the absorbance. The DNA-templated assembly properties were elucidated by mixing the templates in aqueous buffer with the perylene-nucleoside conjugates from a dimethyl sulfoxide stock solution. Specific binding of the nucleosides was probed by comparing the results with dA₂₀ and T₂₀ as single-stranded DNA templates. Our studies reveal the structural parameters that are important for the DNA-templated assembly of perylenes. First, perylene-2'-deoxyuridine conjugates do not form DNA-templated helical assemblies, regardless of the choice of linker. Second, the ethynylene linker is crucial for successful DNA-templated chromophore assemblies of perylene-2-amino-2'-deoxyadenosine conjugates. Third, in contrast, the phenylene linker inhibits self-assembly along single-stranded DNA templates. In conclusion, the 2-amino-2'-deoxyadenosin in combination with the ethynylene linker provides the best structural feature for specific and helical DNA-templated assembly of perylenes. This result is important for the design of future DNA-based supramolecular architectures with chromophores, in particular DNA-based light-harvesting systems and DNA systems for emitting or sensing circularly polarized luminescence.

Selective binding of nucleosides to gapped DNA duplex revealed by orientation and distance dependence of FRET

Herein we used orientation and distance dependence of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to analyze the binding of nucleosides to a gapped DNA duplex.

Optical Properties of Vibronically Coupled Cy3 Dimers on DNA Scaffolds

We examine the effect of electronic coupling on the optical properties of Cy3 dimers attached to DNA duplexes as a function of base pair (bp) separation using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy. For close Cy3-Cy3 separations, 0 and 1 bp between dyes, intermediate to strong electronic coupling is revealed by modulation of the absorption and fluorescence properties including spectral band shape, peak wavelength, and excited-state lifetime. Using a vibronic exciton model, we estimate coupling strengths of 150 and 266 cm^-1 for the 1 and 0 bp separations, respectively, which are comparable to those found in natural light-harvesting complexes. For the strongest electronic coupling (0 bp separation), we observe that the absorption band shape is strongly affected by the base pairs that surround the dyes, where more strongly hydrogen-bonded G-C pairs produce a red-shifted absorption spectrum consistent with a J-type dimer. This effect is studied theoretically using molecular dynamics simulation, which predicts an in-line dye configuration that is consistent with the experimental J-type spectrum. When the Cy3 dimers are in a standard aqueous buffer, the presence of relatively strong electronic coupling is accompanied by decreased fluorescence lifetime, suggesting that it promotes nonradiative relaxation in cyanine dyes. However, we show that the use of a viscous solvent can suppress this nonradiative recombination and thereby restore the dimer fluorescent emission. Ultrafast transient absorption measurements of Cy3 dimers in both standard aqueous buffer and viscous glycerol buffer suggest that sufficiently strong electronic coupling increases the probability of excited-state relaxation through a dark state that is related to Cy3 torsional motion.

Advances in the cellular structural biology of nucleic acids

Conventional biophysical and chemical biology approaches for delineating relationships between the structure and biological function of nucleic acids (NAs) abstract NAs from their native biological context. However, cumulative experimental observations have revealed that the structure, dynamics and interactions of NAs might be strongly influenced by a broad spectrum of specific and nonspecific physical-chemical environmental factors. This consideration has recently sparked interest in the development of novel tools for structural characterization of NAs in the native cellular context. Here, we review the individual methods currently being employed for structural characterization of NA structure in a native cellular environment with a focus on recent advances and developments in the emerging fields of in-cell NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and in-cell single-molecule FRET of NAs.

Fluorescent nucleobase analogues for base-base FRET in nucleic acids: synthesis, photophysics and applications

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a donor nucleobase analogue and an acceptor nucleobase analogue, base–base FRET, works as a spectroscopic ruler and protractor. With their firm stacking and ability to replace the natural nucleic acid bases inside the base-stack, base analogue donor and acceptor molecules complement external fluorophores like the Cy-, Alexa- and ATTO-dyes and enable detailed investigations of structure and dynamics of nucleic acid containing systems. The first base–base FRET pair, tC^O–tC_nitro, has recently been complemented with among others the adenine analogue FRET pair, qAN1–qA_nitro, increasing the flexibility of the methodology. Here we present the design, synthesis, photophysical characterization and use of such base analogues. They enable a higher control of the FRET orientation factor, κ², have a different distance window of opportunity than external fluorophores, and, thus, have the potential to facilitate better structure resolution. Netropsin DNA binding and the B-to-Z-DNA transition are examples of structure investigations that recently have been performed using base–base FRET and that are described here. Base–base FRET has been around for less than a decade, only in 2017 expanded beyond one FRET pair, and represents a highly promising structure and dynamics methodology for the field of nucleic acids. Here we bring up its advantages as well as disadvantages and touch upon potential future applications.

Distance dependent photoacoustics revealed through DNA nanostructures

Molecular rulers that rely on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism are widely used to investigate dynamic molecular processes that occur on the nanometer scale. However, the capabilities of these fluorescence molecular rulers are fundamentally limited to shallow imaging depths by light scattering in biological samples. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has recently emerged as a high resolution modality for in vivo imaging, coupling optical excitation with ultrasound detection. In this paper, we report the capability of PAT to probe distance-dependent FRET at centimeter depths. Using DNA nanotechnology we created several nanostructures with precisely positioned fluorophore-quencher pairs over a range of nanoscale separation distances. PAT of the DNA nanostructures showed distance-dependent photoacoustic signal enhancement and demonstrated the ability of PAT to reveal the FRET process deep within tissue mimicking phantoms. Further, we experimentally validated these DNA nanostructures as a novel and biocompatible strategy to augment the intrinsic photoacoustic signal generation capabilities of small molecule fluorescent dyes.

Orientation-dependent FRET system reveals differences in structures and flexibilities of nicked and gapped DNA duplexes

Differences in structures and flexibilities of DNA duplexes play important roles on recognition by DNA-binding proteins. We herein describe a novel method for structural analyses of DNA duplexes by using orientation dependence of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). We first analyzed canonical B-form duplex and correct structural parameters were obtained. The experimental FRET efficiencies were in excellent agreement with values theoretically calculated by using determined parameters. We then investigated DNA duplexes with nick and gaps, which are key intermediates in DNA repair systems. Effects of gap size on structures and flexibilities were successfully revealed. Since our method is facile and sensitive, it could be widely used to analyze DNA structures containing damages and non-natural molecules.

Toward Complete Sequence Flexibility of Nucleic Acid Base Analogue FRET

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) using fluorescent base analogues is a powerful means of obtaining high-resolution nucleic acid structure and dynamics information that favorably complements techniques such as NMR and X-ray crystallography. Here, we expand the base-base FRET repertoire with an adenine analogue FRET-pair. Phosphoramidite-protected quadracyclic 2'-deoxyadenosine analogues qAN1 (donor) and qA_nitro (acceptor) were synthesized and incorporated into DNA by a generic, reliable, and high-yielding route, and both constitute excellent adenine analogues. The donor, qAN1, has quantum yields reaching 21% and 11% in single- and double-strands, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this results in the highest average brightness of an adenine analogue inside DNA. Its potent emissive features overlap well with the absorption of qA_nitro and thus enable accurate FRET-measurements over more than one turn of B-DNA. As we have shown previously for our cytosine analogue FRET-pair, FRET between qAN1 and qA_nitro positioned at different base separations inside DNA results in efficiencies that are highly dependent on both distance and orientation. This facilitates significantly enhanced resolution in FRET structure determinations, demonstrated here in a study of conformational changes of DNA upon binding of the minor groove binder netropsin. Finally, we note that the donor and acceptor of our cytosine FRET-pair, tC^O and tC_nitro, can be conveniently combined with the acceptor and donor of our current adenine pair, respectively. Consequently, our base analogues can now measure base-base FRET between 3 of the 10 possible base combinations and, through base-complementarity, between all sequence positions in a duplex.

Synthesis of Wavelength-Shifting Fluorescent DNA and RNA with Two Photostable Cyanine-Styryl Dyes as the Base Surrogate Pair

Two nucleic acid building blocks were synthesized, consisting of two photostable green‐ and red‐emitting cyanine–styryl dyes and (S)‐3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol as a substitute for the ribofuranoside, and incorporated as base‐pair surrogates by using automated phosphoramidte chemistry in the solid phase. The optical properties and, in particular, the energy‐transfer properties were screened in a range of DNA duplexes, in which the “counter bases” of the two dyes were varied and the distance between the two dyes was enlarged to up to three intervening adenosine–thymidine pairs. The DNA duplex with the best optical properties and the best red/green emission ratio as the readout bore adenosine and thymidine opposite to the dyes, and the two dyes directly adjacent to each other as the base surrogate pair. This structural arrangement can be transferred to RNA to obtain similarly fluorescent RNA probes. Representatively, the positively evaluated DNA duplex was applied to verify the fluorescence readout in living HeLa cells by using fluorescence confocal microscopy.

Development of a Vivid FRET System Based on a Highly Emissive dG-dC Analogue Pair

A new type of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) system using highly emissive isomorphic nucleobase analogues is reported. The FRET pair consists of 2-aminothieno[3,4-d]pyrimidine G-mimic deoxyribonucleoside (^th dG) as an energy donor and 1,3-diaza-2-oxophenothiazine (tC) as an energy acceptor. The distance and orientation between donor and acceptor was controlled by systematic incorporation of ^th dG and tC into DNA sequences to investigate the FRET efficiencies. This is the first Watson-Crick base-pairable FRET pair to produce vivid colors. In addition, this nucleic acid-based FRET pair was used to monitor DNA conformation and achieved visualization of the B-Z transition.

A Tandem Green-Red Heterodimeric Fluorescent Protein with High FRET Efficiency

The tetrameric red fluorescent protein from Discosoma sp. coral (DsRed) has previously been engineered to produce dimeric and monomeric fluorescent variants with excitation and emission profiles that span the visible spectrum. The brightest of the effectively monomeric DsRed variants is tdTomato-a tandem fusion of a dimeric DsRed variant. Here we describe the engineering of brighter red (RRvT), green (GGvT), and green-red heterodimeric (GRvT) tdTomato variants. GRvT exhibited 99 % intramolecular FRET efficiency, resulting in long Stokes shift red fluorescence. These new variants could prove useful for multicolor live-cell imaging applications.

Fluorescent Biosensors Based on Single-Molecule Counting

Biosensors for highly sensitive, selective, and rapid quantification of specific biomolecules make great contributions to biomedical research, especially molecular diagnostics. However, conventional methods for biomolecular assays often suffer from insufficient sensitivity and poor specificity. In some case (e.g., early disease diagnostics), the concentration of target biomolecules is too low to be detected by these routine approaches, and cumbersome procedures are needed to improve the detection sensitivity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid and ultrasensitive analytical tools. In this respect, single-molecule fluorescence approaches may well satisfy the requirement and hold promising potential for the development of ultrasensitive biosensors. Encouragingly, owing to the advances in single-molecule microscopy and spectroscopy over past decades, the detection of single fluorescent molecule comes true, greatly boosting the development of highly sensitive biosensors. By in vitro/in vivo labeling of target biomolecules with proper fluorescent tags, the quantification of certain biomolecule at the single-molecule level is achieved. In comparison with conventional ensemble measurements, single-molecule detection-based analytical methods possess the advantages of ultrahigh sensitivity, good selectivity, rapid analysis time, and low sample consumption. Consequently, single-molecule detection may be potentially employed as an ideal analytical approach to quantify low-abundant biomolecules with rapidity and simplicity. In this Account, we will summarize our efforts for developing a series of ultrasensitive biosensors based on single-molecule counting. Single-molecule counting is a member of single-molecule detection technologies and may be used as a very simple and ultrasensitive method to quantify target molecules by simply counting the individual fluorescent bursts. In the fluorescent sensors, the signals of target biomolecules may be translated to the fluorescence signals by specific in vitro/in vivo fluorescent labeling, and consequently, the fluorescent molecules indicate the presence of target molecules. The resultant fluorescence signals may be simply counted by either microfluidic device-integrated confocal microscopy or total internal reflection fluorescence-based single-molecule imaging. We have developed a series of single-molecule counting-based biosensors which can be classified as separation-free and separation-assisted assays. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate the applications of single-molecule counting-based biosensors for sensitive detection of various target biomolecules such as DNAs, miRNAs, proteins, enzymes, and intact cells, which may function as the disease-related biomarkers. Moreover, we give a summary of future directions to expand the usability of single-molecule counting-based biosensors including (1) the development of more user-friendly and automated instruments, (2) the discovery of new fluorescent labels and labeling strategies, and (3) the introduction of new concepts for the design of novel biosensors. Due to their high sensitivity, good selectivity, rapidity, and simplicity, we believe that the single-molecule counting-based fluorescent biosensors will indubitably find wide applications in biological research, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery.

Hybridization accompanying FRET event in labeled natural nucleoside-unnatural nucleoside containing chimeric DNA duplexes

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a highly efficient strategy in illuminating the structures, structural changes and dynamics of DNA, proteins and other biomolecules and thus is being widely utilized in studying such phenomena, in designing molecular/biomolecular probes for monitoring the hybridization event of two single stranded DNA to form duplex, in gene detection and in many other sensory applications in chemistry, biology and material sciences. Moreover, FRET can give information about the positional status of chromophores within the associated biomolecules with much more accuracy than other methods can yield. Toward this end, we want to report here the ability of fluorescent unnatural nucleoside, triazolylphenanthrene ((TPhen)BDo) to show FRET interaction upon hybridization with fluorescently labeled natural nucleosides, (Per)U or (OxoPy)U or (Per)U, forming two stable chimeric DNA duplexes. The pairing selectivity and the thermal duplex stability of the chimeric duplexes are higher than any of the duplexes with natural nucleoside formed. The hybridization results in a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from donor triazolylphenanthrene of (TPhen)BDo to acceptor oxopyrene of (OxoPy)U and/or to perylene chromophore of (Per)U, respectively, in two chimeric DNA duplexes. Therefore, we have established the FRET process in two chimeric DNA duplexes wherein a fluorescently labeled natural nucleoside ((OxoPy)U or (Per)U) paired against an unnatural nucleoside ((TPhen)BDo) without sacrificing the duplex stability and B-DNA conformation. The hybridization accompanying FRET event in these classes of interacting fluorophores is new. Moreover, there is no report of such designed system of chimeric DNA duplex. Our observed phenomenon and the design can potentially be exploited in designing more of such efficient FRET pairs for useful application in the detection and analysis of biomolecular interactions and in material science application.

Dual-Shell Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Self-Monitoring of pH-Responsive Molecule-Releasing in a Visualized Way

The rational design and controlled synthesis of a smart device with flexibly tailored response ability is all along desirable for bioapplication but long remains a considerable challenge. Here, a pH-stimulated valve system with a visualized "on-off" mode is constructed through a dual-shell fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy. The dual shells refer to carbon dots and fluorescent molecules embedded polymethacrylic acid (F-PMAA) layers successively coating around a SiO2 core (ca. 120 nm), which play the roles as energy donor and acceptor, respectively. The total thickness of the dual-shell in the solid composite is ca. 10 nm. The priorities of this dual-shell FRET nanovalve stem from three facts: (1) the thin shell allows the formation of efficient FRET system without chemical bonding between energy donor and acceptor; (2) the maximum emission wavelength of CD layer is tunable in the range of 400-600 nm, thus providing a flexible energy donor for a wide variety of energy acceptors; (3) the outer F-PMAA shell with a pH-sensitive swelling-shrinking (on-off) behavior functions as a valve for regulating the FRET process. As such, a sensitive and stable pH ratiometric sensor with a working pH range of 3-6 has been built by simply encapsulating pH-responsive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) into PMAA; a pH-dependent swelling-shrinking shuttle carrier with a finely controllable molecule-release behavior has been further fabricated using rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) as the energy donor and model guest molecule. Significantly, the controlled releasing process is visually self-monitorable.

Donor/acceptor chromophores-decorated triazolyl unnatural nucleosides: synthesis, photophysical properties and study of interaction with BSA

We report the syntheses and photophysical properties of some triazolyl donor/acceptor unnatural nucleosides and studies on the interaction of one of the fluorescent nucleosides with BSA.

G-Tetraplex-Induced FRET within Telomeric Repeat Sequences Using (Py) A-(Per) A as Energy Donor-Acceptor Pair

G-tetraplex induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) within telomeric repeat sequences has been studied using a nucleoside-tethered FRET pair embedded in the human telomeric G-quadruplex forming sequence (5'-A GGG TT(Py) A GGG TT(Per) A GGG TTA GGG-3', Py=pyrene, Per=perylene). Conformational change from a single strand to an anti-parallel G-quadruplex leads to FRET from energy donor ((Py) A) to acceptor ((Per) A). The distance between the FRET donor/acceptor partners was controlled by changing the number of G-quartet spacer units. The FRET efficiency decreases with increase in G-quartet units. Overall findings indicate that this could be further used for the development of FRET-based sensing and measurement techniques.

One-Dimensional Multichromophor Arrays Based on DNA: From Self-Assembly to Light-Harvesting

Light-harvesting complexes collect light energy and deliver it by a cascade of energy and electron transfer processes to the reaction center where charge separation leads to storage as chemical energy. The design of artificial light-harvesting assemblies faces enormous challenges because several antenna chromophores need to be kept in close proximity but self-quenching needs to be avoided. Double stranded DNA as a supramolecular scaffold plays a promising role due to its characteristic structural properties. Automated DNA synthesis allows incorporation of artificial chromophore-modified building blocks, and sequence design allows precise control of the distances and orientations between the chromophores. The helical twist between the chromophores, which is induced by the DNA framework, controls energy and electron transfer and thereby reduces the self-quenching that is typically observed in chromophore aggregates. This Account summarizes covalently multichromophore-modified DNA and describes how such multichromophore arrays were achieved by Watson-Crick-specific and DNA-templated self-assembly. The covalent DNA systems were prepared by incorporation of chromophores as DNA base substitutions (either as C-nucleosides or with acyclic linkers as substitutes for the 2'-deoxyribofuranoside) and as DNA base modifications. Studies with DNA base substitutions revealed that distances but more importantly relative orientations of the chromophores govern the energy transfer efficiencies and thereby the light-harvesting properties. With DNA base substitutions, duplex stabilization was faced and could be overcome, for instance, by zipper-like placement of the chromophores in both strands. For both principal structural approaches, DNA-based light-harvesting antenna could be realized. The major disadvantages, however, for covalent multichromophore DNA conjugates are the poor yields of synthesis and the solubility issues for oligonucleotides with more than 5-10 chromophore modifications in a row. A logical alternative approach is to leave out the phosphodiester bridges between the chromophores and let chromophore-nucleoside conjugates self-assemble specifically along single stranded DNA as template. The self-organization of chromophores along the DNA template based on canonical base pairing would be advantageous because sequence selective base pairing could provide a structural basis for programmed complexity within the chromophore assembly. The self-assembly is governed by two interactions. The chromophore-nucleoside conjugates as guest molecules are recognized via hydrogen bonds to the corresponding counter bases in the single stranded DNA template. Moreover, the π-π interactions between the stacked chromophores stabilize these self-assembled constructs with increasing length. Longer DNA templates are more attractive for self-assembled antenna. The helicity in the stack of porphyrins as guest molecules assembled on the DNA template can be switched by environmental changes, such as pH variations. DNA-templated stacks of ethynyl pyrene and nile red exhibit left-handed chirality, which stands in contrast to similar covalent multichromophore-DNA conjugates with enforced right-handed helicity. With ethynyl nile red, it is possible to occupy every available binding site on the templates. Mixed assemblies of ethynyl pyrene and nile red show energy transfer and thereby provide a proof-of-principle that simple light-harvesting antennae can be obtained in a noncovalent and self-assembled fashion. With respect to the next important step, chemical storage of the absorbed light energy, future research has to focus on the coupling of sophisticated DNA-based light-harvesting antenna to reaction centers.

Fluorescence chemosensors for hydrogen sulfide detection in biological systems

A comprehensive review of the development of H2S fluorescence-sensing strategies, including sensors based on chemical reactions and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of fluorescence-sensing strategies are compared with those of traditional methods. Fluorescence chemosensors, especially those used in FRET sensing, are highly promising because of their low cost, technical simplicity, and their use in real-time sulfide imaging in living cells. Potential applications based on sulfate reduction to H2S, the relationship between sulfate-reducing bacteria activity and H2S yield, and real-time detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria activity using fluorescence sensors are described. The current challenges, such as low sensitivity and poor stability, are discussed.

Excitonic AND Logic Gates on DNA Brick Nanobreadboards

A promising application of DNA self-assembly is the fabrication of chromophore-based excitonic devices. DNA brick assembly is a compelling method for creating programmable nanobreadboards on which chromophores may be rapidly and easily repositioned to prototype new excitonic devices, optimize device operation, and induce reversible switching. Using DNA nanobreadboards, we have demonstrated each of these functions through the construction and operation of two different excitonic AND logic gates. The modularity and high chromophore density achievable via this brick-based approach provide a viable path toward developing information processing and storage systems.

Dynamic DNA architectures: spontaneous DNA strand exchange and self-sorting driven by perylene bisimide interactions

Three differently bay-substituted perylene bisimides together with the conventional unsubstituted chromophore were synthetically incorporated as homodimers in DNA double strands and undergo spontaneous strand exchange if mixed together.

Assembling programmable FRET-based photonic networks using designer DNA scaffolds

DNA demonstrates a remarkable capacity for creating designer nanostructures and devices. A growing number of these structures utilize Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as part of the device's functionality, readout or characterization, and, as device sophistication increases so do the concomitant FRET requirements. Here we create multi-dye FRET cascades and assess how well DNA can marshal organic dyes into nanoantennae that focus excitonic energy. We evaluate 36 increasingly complex designs including linear, bifurcated, Holliday junction, 8-arm star and dendrimers involving up to five different dyes engaging in four-consecutive FRET steps, while systematically varying fluorophore spacing by Förster distance (R0). Decreasing R0 while augmenting cross-sectional collection area with multiple donors significantly increases terminal exciton delivery efficiency within dendrimers compared with the first linear constructs. Förster modelling confirms that best results are obtained when there are multiple interacting FRET pathways rather than independent channels by which excitons travel from initial donor(s) to final acceptor.

Photo-physical properties of 2-(1-ethynylpyrene)-adenosine: influence of hydrogen bonding on excited state properties

The photo-physical properties of 2-(1-ethynylpyrene)-adenosine (PyA), a fluorescent probe for RNA dynamics, were examined by solvation studies. The excited-state dynamics display the influence of the vicinity on the spectral features. Combining improved transient absorption and streak camera measurements along with a new analysis method provide a detailed molecular picture of the photophysics. After intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR), two distinct states are observed. Solvent class (protic/aprotic) and permittivity strongly affect the properties of these states and their population ratio. As a result their emission spectrum is altered, while the fluorescence quantum yield and the overall lifetime remain nearly unchanged. Consequently, the hitherto existing model of the photophysics is herein refined and extended. The findings can serve as basis for improving the information content of measurements with PyA as a label in RNA.

Fluorescent probes for nucleic Acid visualization in fixed and live cells

This review analyses the literature concerning non-fluorescent and fluorescent probes for nucleic acid imaging in fixed and living cells from the point of view of their suitability for imaging intracellular native RNA and DNA. Attention is mainly paid to fluorescent probes for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Requirements for the target-binding part and the fluorophore making up the probe are formulated. In the case of native double-stranded DNA, structure-specific and sequence-specific probes are discussed. Among the latest, three classes of dsDNA-targeting molecules are described: (i) sequence-specific peptides and proteins; (ii) triplex-forming oligonucleotides and (iii) polyamide oligo(N-methylpyrrole/N-methylimidazole) minor groove binders. Polyamides seem to be the most promising targeting agents for fluorescent probe design, however, some technical problems remain to be solved, such as the relatively low sequence specificity and the high background fluorescence inside the cells. Several examples of fluorescent probe applications for DNA imaging in fixed and living cells are cited. In the case of intracellular RNA, only modified oligonucleotides can provide such sequence-specific imaging. Several approaches for designing fluorescent probes are considered: linear fluorescent probes based on modified oligonucleotide analogs, molecular beacons, binary fluorescent probes and template-directed reactions with fluorescence probe formation, FRET donor-acceptor pairs, pyrene excimers, aptamers and others. The suitability of all these methods for living cell applications is discussed.