Programming ultrasensitive threshold response through chemomechanical instability

Young-Joo Kim, Junho Park, Jae Young Lee and Do-Nyun Kim ()
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Young-Joo Kim: Seoul National University
Junho Park: Seoul National University
Jae Young Lee: Seoul National University
Do-Nyun Kim: Seoul National University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract The ultrasensitive threshold response is ubiquitous in biochemical systems. In contrast, achieving ultrasensitivity in synthetic molecular structures in a controllable way is challenging. Here, we propose a chemomechanical approach inspired by Michell’s instability to realize it. A sudden reconfiguration of topologically constrained rings results when the torsional stress inside reaches a critical value. We use DNA origami to construct molecular rings and then DNA intercalators to induce torsional stress. Michell’s instability is achieved successfully when the critical concentration of intercalators is applied. Both the critical point and sensitivity of this ultrasensitive threshold reconfiguration can be controlled by rationally designing the cross-sectional shape and mechanical properties of DNA rings.

Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-25406-9

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25406-9

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