Work

DNA Nanotechnology in the Undergraduate Laboratory: Toehold-Less Strand Displacement in Switchback DNA

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Dynamic DNA nanostructures that reconfigure into different shapes are used in several applications in biosensing, drug delivery, and data storage. One of the ways to produce such structural transformations is by a process called strand displacement. This laboratory experiment demonstrates a strand displacement reaction in a two-stranded DNA nanostructure called switchback DNA by the addition of a third strand. In this process, the difference in the affinity between the component DNA strands is used to convert switchback DNA into conventional duplex DNA. Students are introduced to the concept through gel electrophoresis and quantitative analysis of DNA nanostructure reconfiguration. The experiment presented here is an example of DNA nanotechnology-based exercises in an undergraduate setting and is tailored for adaptation in a chemistry, biology, or biochemistry laboratory with minimal costs.

Source: JACS Au

Authors: Bharath Raj Madhanagopal, Arun Richard Chandrasekaran

Institutions: University at Albany, State University of New York, State University of New York

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences

Awards: G1540781425, G9000294964