A reversibly gated protein-transporting membrane channel made of DNA

G4-Hemin-loaded 2D nanosheets for combined and targeted chemo-photodynamic cancer therapy

Synergetic combination therapy is emerging as one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. Among the various therapeutic approaches, PDT has received particular attention due to its non-invasive nature. However, the therapeutic performance of PDT is severely affected by tumour hypoxia. Herein, we report a supramolecular strategy for the fabrication of a PDT-active 2D nanosheet loaded with a POD mimicking DNAzyme for the synergetic combination of PDT and CDT for targeted cancer therapy. Assembly of biotin-functionalized BODIPY (1) and cationic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD+) leads to the formation of a 1/β-CD+ nanosheet with positively charged β-CD+ on the surface of the sheet. The cationic face of the 1/β-CD+ sheet was then loaded with a POD-mimicking Hem-loaded G-quadruplex aptamer (Hem/DNA1) via electrostatic interactions (1/β-CD+/Hem/DNA1). Cellular internalization of the 1/β-CD+/Hem/DNA1 nanosheet occurs via a receptor-mediated endocytic pathway, which then undergoes lysosomal escape. Subsequently, Hem/DNA1 on the surface of 1/β-CD+/Hem/DNA1 reacts with endogenous H2O2via the Fenton pathway to produce ˙OH and O2. Moreover, under cellular conditions, Hem inside the 1/β-CD+/Hem/DNA1 nanosheet produces Fe2+, which then undergoes another Fenton reaction to produce ˙OH and O2. The Fe3+ generated after the Fenton reaction is then reduced in situ to Fe2+ by glutathione for the next Fenton cycle. At the same time, photoirradiation of the 1/β-CD+ nanosheet using a 635 nm laser produces 1O2via the PDT pathway by using endogenous O2. The most remarkable feature of the present nanoformulation is the cooperativity in its therapeutic action, wherein O2 produced during the CDT pathway was used by the 1/β-CD+ sheet for improving its PDT efficacy in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. This work represents a unique combination of CDT and PDT for targeted cancer therapy, wherein the CDT action of the nanoagent enhances the PDT efficacy and we strongly believe that this approach would encourage researchers to design similar combination therapy for advancements in the treatment of cancer.

Bimetallic DNAsome Decorated with G4-DNA as a Nanozyme for Targeted and Enhanced Chemo/Chemodynamic Cancer Therapy

Cancer is indisputably one of the major threats to mankind, and hence the design of new approaches for the improvement of existing therapeutic strategies is always wanted. Herein, the design of a tumor microenvironment-responsive, DNA-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) nanoagent with dual Fenton reaction centers for targeted cancer therapy is reported. Self-assembly of DNA amphiphile containing copper complex as the hydrophobic Fenton reaction center results in the formation of CDT-active DNAsome with Cu2+-based Fenton catalytic site as the hydrophobic core and hydrophilic ssDNA protrude on the surface. DNA-based surface addressability of the DNAsome is then used for the integration of second Fenton reaction center, which is a peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme noncovalently loaded with Hemin and Doxorubicin, via DNA hybridization to give a CDT agent having dual Fenton reaction centers. Targeted internalization of the CDT nanoagent and selective generation of •OH inside HeLa cell are also shown. Excellent therapeutic efficiency is observed for the CDT nanoagent both in vitro and in vivo, and the enhanced efficacy is attributed to the combined and synergetic action of CDT and chemotherapy.

Compliant DNA Origami Nanoactuators as Size-Selective Nanopores

Biological nanopores crucially control the import and export of biomolecules across lipid membranes in cells. They have found widespread use in biophysics and biotechnology, where their typically narrow, fixed diameters enable selective transport of ions and small molecules, as well as DNA and peptides for sequencing applications. Yet, due to their small channel sizes, they preclude the passage of large macromolecules, e.g., therapeutics. Here, the unique combined properties of DNA origami nanotechnology, machine-inspired design, and synthetic biology are harnessed, to present a structurally reconfigurable DNA origami MechanoPore (MP) that features a lumen that is tuneable in size through molecular triggers. Controllable switching of MPs between 3 stable states is confirmed by 3D-DNA-PAINT super-resolution imaging and through dye-influx assays, after reconstitution of the large MPs in the membrane of liposomes via an inverted-emulsion cDICE technique. Confocal imaging of transmembrane transport shows size-selective behavior with adjustable thresholds. Importantly, the conformational changes are fully reversible, attesting to the robust mechanical switching that overcomes pressure from the surrounding lipid molecules. These MPs advance nanopore technology, offering functional nanostructures that can be tuned on-demand - thereby impacting fields as diverse as drug delivery, biomolecule sorting, and sensing, as well as bottom-up synthetic biology.

Single-Stranded Nucleic Acid Transmembrane Molecular Carriers Based on Positively Charged Helical Foldamers

Transmembrane delivery of biologically active nucleic acids is an important process in cells and has inspired one to develop advanced drug delivery techniques. In this contribution, molecular-level single-stranded nucleic acid transmembrane carriers are reported based on 3.2 nm long Huc's foldamers (AOrnQ3Q3)8 and (mQ3Q2)8 with linearly and helically aligned positive charges, respectively. These two foldamers not only show very strong DNA affinity via electrostatic interactions but also discriminatively bind single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) and double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), corroborating the importance of precise charge arrangement in the electrostatic interactions. More importantly, these two foldamers are capable of efficiently transporting ss-DNA across the lipid membranes, and the ss-DNA transport activity of (AOrnQ3Q3)8 with linearly aligned charges is higher than that of (mQ3Q2)8 with helically aligned charges. Thus a type of novel single-stranded nucleic acid transmembrane molecular carriers based on positively charged helical foldamers are introduced. Further, effective and enhanced expression in EGFP-mRNA transfection experiments strongly demonstrates the potential of positively charged foldamers for RNA transmembrane transport and therapy.

Synthetic DNA nanopores for direct molecular transmission between lipid vesicles

Lipid vesicles hold potential as artificial cells in bottom-up synthetic biology, and as tools in drug delivery and biosensing. Transmitting molecular signals is a key function for vesicle-based systems. One strategy to achieve this function is by releasing molecular signals from vesicles through nanopores. Nevertheless, in this strategy, an excess of molecular signals may be required to reach the targets, due to the dispersion of the signals during diffusion. The key to achieving the efficient utilization of signals is to shorten the distance between the sender vesicle and the target. Here, we present a pair of DNA nanopores that can connect and form a direct molecular pathway between vesicles. The nanopores are self-assembled from nine single DNA strands, including six 14-nucleotide single-stranded overhangs as sticky-end segments, enabling them to bind with each other. Incorporating nanopores shortens the distance between different populations of vesicles, allowing less diffusion of molecules into bulk solution. To further reduce the loss of molecules, a DNA nanocap is added to one of the nanopore's openings. The nanocap can be removed through the toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement when the nanopore meets its counterpart. Our DNA nanopores provide a novel molecular transmission tool to lipid vesicles-based systems.

Passing Behavior of Oligonucleotides through a Stacked DNA Nanochannel with Featured Path Design

DNA nanotechnology has emerged as a useful tool for constructing artificial channels penetrating the lipid bilayer. In this work, we introduce a stacked DNA origami nanochannel device characterized by a width-variable pathway, consisting of narrow entrance and exit channels coupled with a wide, modifiable lumen. This design modulates the translocation behavior of oligonucleotides, revealing distinct stages of signal patterns in the recorded current traces. The observed prolonged dwell times indicate oligonucleotide retention, specifically due to the transition from the wide lumen to the narrower exit channel, while variations in current recovery between events suggested intermediate channel states between conducting and blocking. Further, by incorporating sequence-specific overhangs within the channel lumen, we achieved unique asymmetric current profiles during ATP aptamer translocation events. Featured stages also highlighted the aptamer binding dynamics and ATP-induced release. The distinguished oligonucleotide passing behaviors afforded by the stacked DNA origami channel with interior decoration demonstrated the strategic and profitable attempts at DNA nanochannel engineering for nanodevice development and applications.

DNA-empowered synthetic cells as minimalistic life forms

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.

Liposome-based hybrid drug delivery systems with DNA nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles

INTRODUCTION

This review discusses novel hybrid assemblies that are based on liposomal formulations. The focus is on the hybrid constructs that are formed through the integration of liposomes/vesicles with other nano-objects such as nucleic acid nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles. The aim is to introduce some of the recent, specific examples that bridge different technologies and thus may form a new platform for advanced drug delivery applications.

AREAS COVERED

We present selected examples of liposomal formulations combined with complex nanostructures either based on biomolecules like DNA origami or on metallic materials - metal/metal oxide/magnetic particles and metallic nanostructures, such as metal organic frameworks - together with their applications in drug delivery and beyond.

EXPERT OPINION

Merging the above-mentioned techniques could lead to development of drug delivery vehicles with the most desirable properties; multifunctionality, biocompatibility, high drug loading efficiency/accuracy/capacity, and stimuli-responsiveness. In the near future, we believe that especially the strategies combining dynamic, triggerable and programmable DNA nanostructures and liposomes could be used to create artificial liposome clusters for multiple applications such as examining protein-mediated interactions between lipid bilayers and channeling materials between liposomes for enhanced pharmacokinetic properties in drug delivery.

DNA Origami: From Molecular Folding Art to Drug Delivery Technology

DNA molecules that store genetic information in living creatures can be repurposed as building blocks to construct artificial architectures, ranging from the nanoscale to the microscale. The precise fabrication of self-assembled DNA nanomaterials and their various applications have greatly impacted nanoscience and nanotechnology. More specifically, the DNA origami technique has realized the assembly of various nanostructures featuring rationally predesigned geometries, precise addressability, and versatile programmability, as well as remarkable biocompatibility. These features have elevated DNA origami from academic interest to an emerging class of drug delivery platform for a wide range of diseases. In this minireview, the latest advances in the burgeoning field of DNA-origami-based innovative platforms for regulating biological functions and delivering versatile drugs are presented. Challenges regarding the novel drug vehicle's safety, stability, targeting strategy, and future clinical translation are also discussed.

Deconvoluting the Effect of Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Enhanced and Controlled Insertion of Large-Scale DNA Nanopores

DNA nanopores have emerged as powerful tools for molecular sensing, but the efficient insertion of large DNA nanopores into lipid membranes remains challenging. In this study, we investigate the potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), specifically SynB1 and GALA, to enhance the insertion efficiency of large DNA nanopores. We constructed SynB1- or GALA-functionalized DNA nanopores with an 11 nm inner diameter and visualized and quantified their membrane insertion using a TIRF microscopy-based single-liposome assay. The results demonstrated that incorporating an increasing number of SynB1 or GALA peptides into the DNA nanopore significantly enhanced the membrane perforation. Kinetic analysis revealed that the DNA nanopore scaffold played a role in prearranging the CPPs, which facilitated membrane interaction and pore formation. Notably, the use of pH-responsive GALA peptides allowed highly efficient and pH-controlled insertion of large DNA pores. Furthermore, single-channel recording elucidated that the insertion process of single GALA-modified nanopores into planar lipid bilayers was dynamic, likely forming transient large toroidal pores. Overall, our study highlights the potential of CPPs as insertion enhancers for DNA nanopores, which opens avenues for improved molecule sensing and the controlled release of cargo molecules.

Microbial membrane transport proteins and their biotechnological applications

Because of the hydrophobic nature of the membrane lipid bilayer, the majority of the hydrophilic solutes require special transportation mechanisms for passing through the cell membrane. Integral membrane transport proteins (MTPs), which belong to the Major Intrinsic Protein Family, facilitate the transport of these solutes across cell membranes. MTPs including aquaporins and carrier proteins are transmembrane proteins spanning across the cell membrane. The easy handling of microorganisms enabled the discovery of a remarkable number of transport proteins specific to different substances. It has been realized that these transporters have very important roles in the survival of microorganisms, their pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance. Astonishing features related to the solute specificity of these proteins have led to the acceleration of the research on the discovery of their properties and the development of innovative products in which these unique properties are used or imitated. Studies on microbial MTPs range from the discovery and characterization of a novel transporter protein to the mining and screening of them in a large transporter library for particular functions, from simulations and modeling of specific transporters to the preparation of biomimetic synthetic materials for different purposes such as biosensors or filtration membranes. This review presents recent discoveries on microbial membrane transport proteins and focuses especially on formate nitrite transport proteins and aquaporins, and advances in their biotechnological applications.

DNA T-shaped crossover tiles for 2D tessellation and nanoring reconfiguration

DNA tiles serve as the fundamental building blocks for DNA self-assembled nanostructures such as DNA arrays, origami, and designer crystals. Introducing additional binding arms to DNA crossover tiles holds the promise of unlocking diverse nano-assemblies and potential applications. Here, we present one-, two-, and three-layer T-shaped crossover tiles, by integrating T junction with antiparallel crossover tiles. These tiles carry over the orthogonal binding directions from T junction and retain the rigidity from antiparallel crossover tiles, enabling the assembly of various 2D tessellations. To demonstrate the versatility of the design rules, we create 2-state reconfigurable nanorings from both single-stranded tiles and single-unit assemblies. Moreover, four sets of 4-state reconfiguration systems are constructed, showing effective transformations between ladders and/or rings with pore sizes spanning ~20 nm to ~168 nm. These DNA tiles enrich the design tools in nucleic acid nanotechnology, offering exciting opportunities for the creation of artificial dynamic DNA nanopores.

Engineering Biological Nanopore Approaches toward Protein Sequencing

Biotechnological innovations have vastly improved the capacity to perform large-scale protein studies, while the methods we have for identifying and quantifying individual proteins are still inadequate to perform protein sequencing at the single-molecule level. Nanopore-inspired systems devoted to understanding how single molecules behave have been extensively developed for applications in genome sequencing. These nanopore systems are emerging as prominent tools for protein identification, detection, and analysis, suggesting realistic prospects for novel protein sequencing. This review summarizes recent advances in biological nanopore sensors toward protein sequencing, from the identification of individual amino acids to the controlled translocation of peptides and proteins, with attention focused on device and algorithm development and the delineation of molecular mechanisms with the aid of simulations. Specifically, the review aims to offer recommendations for the advancement of nanopore-based protein sequencing from an engineering perspective, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines. These efforts should include chemical conjugation, protein engineering, molecular simulation, machine-learning-assisted identification, and electronic device fabrication to enable practical implementation in real-world scenarios.

Functional Nanopores Enabled with DNA

Membrane-spanning nanopores are used in label-free single-molecule sensing and next-generation portable nucleic acid sequencing, and as powerful research tools in biology, biophysics, and synthetic biology. Naturally occurring protein and peptide pores, as well as synthetic inorganic nanopores, are used in these applications, with their limitations. The structural and functional repertoire of nanopores can be considerably expanded by functionalising existing pores with DNA strands and by creating an entirely new class of nanopores with DNA nanotechnology. This review outlines progress in this area of functional DNA nanopores and outlines developments to open up new applications.

Recent Advances in DNA Origami-Engineered Nanomaterials and Applications

DNA nanotechnology is a unique field, where physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and materials science can elegantly converge. Since the original proposal of Nadrian Seeman, significant advances have been achieved in the past four decades. During this glory time, the DNA origami technique developed by Paul Rothemund further pushed the field forward with a vigorous momentum, fostering a plethora of concepts, models, methodologies, and applications that were not thought of before. This review focuses on the recent progress in DNA origami-engineered nanomaterials in the past five years, outlining the exciting achievements as well as the unexplored research avenues. We believe that the spirit and assets that Seeman left for scientists will continue to bring interdisciplinary innovations and useful applications to this field in the next decade.

Multi-Stimuli-Responsive and Mechano-Actuated Biomimetic Membrane Nanopores Self-Assembled from DNA

In bioinspired design, biological templates are mimicked in structure and function by highly controllable synthetic means. Of interest are static barrel-like nanopores that enable molecular transport across membranes for use in biosensing, sequencing, and biotechnology. However, biological ion channels offer additional functions such as dynamic changes of the entire pore shape between open and closed states, and triggering of dynamic processes with biochemical and physical stimuli. To better capture this complexity, this report presents multi-stimuli and mechano-responsive biomimetic nanopores which are created with DNA nanotechnology. The nanopores switch between open and closed states, whereby specific binding of DNA and protein molecules as stimuli locks the pores in the open state. Furthermore, the physical stimulus of high transmembrane voltage switches the pores into a closed state. In addition, the pore diameters are larger and more tunable than those of natural templates. These multi-stimuli-responsive and mechanically actuated nanopores mimic several aspects of complex biological channels yet offer easier control over pore size, shape and stimulus response. The designer pores are expected to be applied in biosensing and synthetic biology.

Surfactant-Assisted Purification of Hydrophobic DNA Nanostructures

Purification of functional DNA nanostructures is an essential step in achieving intended functions because misfolded structures and the remaining free DNA strands in a solution can interact and affect their behavior. However, due to hydrophobicity-mediated aggregation, it is difficult to purify DNA nanostructures modified with hydrophobic molecules by conventional methods. Herein, we report the purification of cholesterol-modified DNA nanostructures by using a novel surfactant-assisted gel extraction. The addition of sodium cholate (SC) to the sample solution before structure folding prevented aggregation; this was confirmed by gel electrophoresis. We also found that adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the sample inhibited structural folding. The cholesterol-modified DNA nanostructures prepared with SC were successfully purified by gel extraction, and their ability to bind to the lipid membrane surfaces was maintained. This method will facilitate the purification of DNA nanostructures modified with hydrophobic molecules and expand their applicability in the construction of artificial cell-like systems.

Functionalized DNA-Origami-Protein Nanopores Generate Large Transmembrane Channels with Programmable Size-Selectivity

The DNA-origami technique has enabled the engineering of transmembrane nanopores with programmable size and functionality, showing promise in building biosensors and synthetic cells. However, it remains challenging to build large (>10 nm), functionalizable nanopores that spontaneously perforate lipid membranes. Here, we take advantage of pneumolysin (PLY), a bacterial toxin that potently forms wide ring-like channels on cell membranes, to construct hybrid DNA-protein nanopores. This PLY-DNA-origami complex, in which a DNA-origami ring corrals up to 48 copies of PLY, targets the cholesterol-rich membranes of liposomes and red blood cells, readily forming uniformly sized pores with an average inner diameter of ∼22 nm. Such hybrid nanopores facilitate the exchange of macromolecules between perforated liposomes and their environment, with the exchange rate negatively correlating with the macromolecule size (diameters of gyration: 8-22 nm). Additionally, the DNA ring can be decorated with intrinsically disordered nucleoporins to further restrict the diffusion of traversing molecules, highlighting the programmability of the hybrid nanopores. PLY-DNA pores provide an enabling biophysical tool for studying the cross-membrane translocation of ultralarge molecules and open new opportunities for analytical chemistry, synthetic biology, and nanomedicine.

Lipidoid Artificial Compartments for Bidirectional Regulation of Enzyme Activity through Nanomechanical Action

Photoresponsive inhibitor and noninhibitor systems have been developed to achieve on-demand enzyme activity control. However, inhibitors are only effective for a specific and narrow range of enzymes. Noninhibitor systems usually require mutation and modification of the enzymes, leading to irreversible loss of enzymatic activities. Inspired by biological membranes, we herein report a lipidoid-based artificial compartment composed of azobenzene (Azo) lipidoids and helper lipids, which can bidirectionally regulate the activity of the encapsulated enzymes by light. In this system, the reversible photoisomerization of Azo lipidoids triggered by UV/vis light creates a continuous rotation-inversion movement, thereby enhancing the permeability of the compartment membrane and allowing substrates to pass through. Moreover, the membrane can revert to its impermeable state when light is removed. Thus, enzyme activity can be switched on and off when encapsulating enzymes in the compartments. Importantly, since neither mutation nor modification is required, negligible loss of activity is observed for the encapsulated enzymes after repeated activation and inhibition. Furthermore, this approach provides a generic strategy for controlling multiple enzymes by forgoing the use of inhibitors and may broaden the applications of enzymes in biological mechanism research and precision medicine.

Mechanochemical Rules for Shape-Shifting Filaments that Remodel Membranes

The sequential exchange of filament composition to increase filament curvature was proposed as a mechanism for how some biological polymers deform and cut membranes. The relationship between the filament composition and its mechanical effect is lacking. We develop a kinetic model for the assembly of composite filaments that includes protein-membrane adhesion, filament mechanics and membrane mechanics. We identify the physical conditions for such a membrane remodeling and show this mechanism of sequential polymer assembly lowers the energetic barrier for membrane deformation.

A Light-Triggered Synthetic Nanopore for Controlling Molecular Transport Across Biological Membranes

Controlling biological molecular processes with light is of interest in biological research and biomedicine, as light allows precise and selective activation in a non-invasive and non-toxic manner. A molecular process benefitting from light control is the transport of cargo across biological membranes, which is conventionally achieved by membrane-puncturing barrel-shaped nanopores. Yet, there is also considerable gain in constructing more complex gated pores. Here, we pioneer a synthetic light-gated nanostructure which regulates transport across membranes via a controllable lid. The light-triggered nanopore is self-assembled from six pore-forming DNA strands and a lid strand carrying light-switchable azobenzene molecules. Exposure to light opens the pore to allow small-molecule transport across membranes. Our light-triggered pore advances biomimetic chemistry and DNA nanotechnology and may be used in biotechnology, biosensing, targeted drug release, or synthetic cells.

Automated design of 3D DNA origami with non-rasterized 2D curvature

Improving the precision and function of encapsulating three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanostructures via curved geometries could have transformative impacts on areas such as molecular transport, drug delivery, and nanofabrication. However, the addition of non-rasterized curvature escalates design complexity without algorithmic regularity, and these challenges have limited the ad hoc development and usage of previously unknown shapes. In this work, we develop and automate the application of a set of previously unknown design principles that now includes a multilayer design for closed and curved DNA nanostructures to resolve past obstacles in shape selection, yield, mechanical rigidity, and accessibility. We design, analyze, and experimentally demonstrate a set of diverse 3D curved nanoarchitectures, showing planar asymmetry and examining partial multilayer designs. Our automated design tool implements a combined algorithmic and numerical approximation strategy for scaffold routing and crossover placement, which may enable wider applications of general DNA nanostructure design for nonregular or oblique shapes.

Pore performance: artificial nanoscale constructs that mimic the biomolecular transport of the nuclear pore complex

The nuclear pore complex is a nanoscale assembly that achieves shuttle-cargo transport of biomolecules: a certain cargo molecule can only pass the barrier if it is attached to a shuttle molecule. In this review we summarize the most important efforts aiming to reproduce this feature in artificial settings. This can be achieved by solid state nanopores that have been functionalized with the most important proteins found in the biological system. Alternatively, the nanopores are chemically modified with synthetic polymers. However, only a few studies have demonstrated a shuttle-cargo transport mechanism and due to cargo leakage, the selectivity is not comparable to that of the biological system. Other recent approaches are based on DNA origami, though biomolecule transport has not yet been studied with these. The highest selectivity has been achieved with macroscopic gels, but they are yet to be scaled down to nano-dimensions. It is concluded that although several interesting studies exist, we are still far from achieving selective and efficient artificial shuttle-cargo transport of biomolecules. Besides being of fundamental interest, such a system could be potentially useful in bioanalytical devices.

Network topology-directed design of molecular CPU for cell-like dynamic information processing

Natural cells (NCs) can automatically and continuously respond to fluctuant external information and distinguish meaningful stimuli from weak noise depending on their powerful genetic and protein networks. We herein report a network topology-directed design of dynamic molecular processing system (DMPS) as a molecular central processing unit that powers an artificial cell (AC) able to process fluctuant information in its immediate environment similar to NCs. By constructing a mixed cell community, ACs and NCs have synchronous response to fluctuant extracellular stimuli under physiological condition and in a blood vessel-mimic circulation system. We also show that fluctuant bioinformation released by NCs can be received and processed by ACs. The molecular design of DMPS-powered AC is expected to allow a profound understanding of biological systems, advance the construction of intelligent molecular systems, and promote more elegant bioengineering applications.

DNA origami in the quest for membrane piercing

The tool kit for label-free single-molecule sensing, nucleic acid sequencing (DNA, RNA and protein) and other biotechnological applications has been significantly broadened due to the wide range of available nanopore-based technologies. Currently, various sources of nanopores, including biological, fabricated solid-state, hybrid and recently de novo chemically synthesized ion-like channels have put in use for rapid single-molecule sensing of biomolecules and other diagnostic applications. At length scales of hundreds of nanometers, DNA nanotechnology, particularly DNA origami-based devices, enables the assembly of complex and dynamic 3-dimensional nanostructures, including nanopores with precise control over the size/shape. DNA origami technology has enabled to construct nanopores by DNA alone or hybrid architects with solid-state nanopore devices or nanocapillaries. In this review, we briefly discuss the nanopore technique that uses DNA nanotechnology to construct such individual pores in lipid-based systems or coupled with other solid-state devices, nanocapillaries for enhanced biosensing function. We summarize various DNA-based design nanopores and explore the sensing properties of such DNA channels. Apart from DNA origami channels we also pointed the design principles of RNA nanopores for peptide sensing applications.