Design, synthesis, and applications of DNA-macrocyclic host conjugates

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Oct 16;54(83):11668-11680. doi: 10.1039/c8cc06716c.

Abstract

With this Feature Article we review, for the first time, the development of DNA-host conjugates-a nascent yet rapidly growing research focus within the ambit of DNA supramolecular chemistry. Synthetic hosts (such as cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, and calixarenes) are well-suited to be partnered with DNA, since DNA assembly and host-guest binding both thrive in aqueous media, are largely orthogonal, and exhibit controllable and input-responsive properties. The covalent braiding of these two supramolecular synthons thus leads to advanced self-assemblies and nanostructures with exciting function that range from drug delivery agents to input-triggered switches. The latter class of DNA-host conjugates have been demonstrated to precisely control protein activity, and have also been used as modulable catalysts and versatile biosensors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Calixarenes / chemical synthesis
  • Calixarenes / chemistry
  • Cyclodextrins / chemical synthesis
  • Cyclodextrins / chemistry
  • DNA / chemical synthesis
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Humans
  • Macrocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Macrocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods

Substances

  • Cyclodextrins
  • Macrocyclic Compounds
  • cucurbit(n)uril
  • Calixarenes
  • DNA