DNA-controlled excitonic switches

Nano Lett. 2012 Apr 11;12(4):2117-22. doi: 10.1021/nl3004336. Epub 2012 Mar 15.

Abstract

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a promising means of enabling information processing in nanoscale devices, but dynamic control over exciton pathways is required. Here, we demonstrate the operation of two complementary switches consisting of diffusive FRET transmission lines in which exciton flow is controlled by DNA. Repeatable switching is accomplished by the removal or addition of fluorophores through toehold-mediated strand invasion. In principle, these switches can be networked to implement any Boolean function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Substances

  • DNA