Molecular transport controls the efficiency of complex biological network systems such as cellular signaling system and cascade biomedical reaction. However, device fabrication for molecular sensing is often restricted by a low transport efficiency and complicated processing. Here, we report a molecular threading-dependent transport system using three-dimensional (3D) paper origami enabling the directional transport of biomolecules. We demonstrate that framework nucleic acid-based interface engineering allows orthogonal molecular recognition and enzymatic reaction with programmed order on site. We thus develop a single-step electrochemical DNA sensor for quantitative analysis with 1 picomolar sensitivity within 60 min. Our sensor can discriminate a mismatched target at the level of a single base mismatch. Our study shows a great potential toward the development of a biomimetic molecular transport system for point-of-care and precision diagnosis.
Keywords: Molecular threading; framework nucleic acid; mass transport; single-step electrochemical biosensing; three-dimensional (3D) paper origami.