Responsive core-shell DNA particles trigger lipid-membrane disruption and bacteria entrapment

Michal Walczak, Ryan A. Brady, Leonardo Mancini, Claudia Contini, Roger Rubio-Sánchez, William T. Kaufhold, Pietro Cicuta and Lorenzo Michele ()
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Michal Walczak: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue
Ryan A. Brady: King’s College London
Leonardo Mancini: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue
Claudia Contini: Imperial College London
Roger Rubio-Sánchez: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue
William T. Kaufhold: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue
Pietro Cicuta: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue
Lorenzo Michele: University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Biology has evolved a variety of agents capable of permeabilizing and disrupting lipid membranes, from amyloid aggregates, to antimicrobial peptides, to venom compounds. While often associated with disease or toxicity, these agents are also central to many biosensing and therapeutic technologies. Here, we introduce a class of synthetic, DNA-based particles capable of disrupting lipid membranes. The particles have finely programmable size, and self-assemble from all-DNA and cholesterol-DNA nanostructures, the latter forming a membrane-adhesive core and the former a protective hydrophilic corona. We show that the corona can be selectively displaced with a molecular cue, exposing the ‘sticky’ core. Unprotected particles adhere to synthetic lipid vesicles, which in turn enhances membrane permeability and leads to vesicle collapse. Furthermore, particle-particle coalescence leads to the formation of gel-like DNA aggregates that envelop surviving vesicles. This response is reminiscent of pathogen immobilisation through immune cells secretion of DNA networks, as we demonstrate by trapping E. coli bacteria.

Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24989-7

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24989-7

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