Reversible reconfiguration of DNA origami nanochambers monitored by single-molecule FRET

Abstract

Today, DNA nanotechnology is one of the methods of choice to achieve spatiotemporal control of matter at the nanoscale. By combining the peculiar spatial addressability of DNA origami structures with the switchable mechanical movement of small DNA motifs, we constructed reconfigurable DNA nanochambers as dynamic compartmentalization systems. The reversible extension and contraction of the inner cavity of the structures was used to control the distance-dependent energy transfer between two preloaded fluorophores. Interestingly, single-molecule FRET studies revealed that the kinetics of the process are strongly affected by the choice of the switchable motifs and/or actuator sequences, thus offering a valid method for fine-tuning the dynamic properties of large DNA nanostructures. We envisage that the proposed DNA nanochambers may function as model structures for artificial biomimetic compartments and transport systems.

Keywords: DNA origami; atomic force microscopy; self-assembly; single-molecule FRET; structural reconfiguration.