Repository logo
 

Optical Voltage Sensing Using DNA Origami.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Hemmig, Elisa A 
Maffeo, Christopher 
Hecker, Lisa 
Ochmann, Sarah E 

Abstract

We explore the potential of DNA nanotechnology for developing novel optical voltage sensing nanodevices that convert a local change of electric potential into optical signals. As a proof-of-concept of the sensing mechanism, we assembled voltage responsive DNA origami structures labeled with a single pair of FRET dyes. The DNA structures were reversibly immobilized on a nanocapillary tip and underwent controlled structural changes upon application of an electric field. The applied field was monitored through a change in FRET efficiency. By exchanging the position of a single dye, we could tune the voltage sensitivity of our DNA origami structure, demonstrating the flexibility and versatility of our approach. The experimental studies were complemented by coarse-grained simulations that characterized voltage-dependent elastic deformation of the DNA nanostructures and the associated change in the distance between the FRET pair. Our work opens a novel pathway for determining the mechanical properties of DNA origami structures and highlights potential applications of dynamic DNA nanostructures as voltage sensors.

Description

Keywords

DNA nanotechnology, coarse-grained simulations, nanocapillary, optical voltage measurements, single-molecule FRET, Biosensing Techniques, DNA, Electricity, Electrodes, Equipment Design, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer, Fluorescent Dyes, Ion Transport, Nanostructures, Nanotechnology, Nucleic Acid Conformation

Journal Title

Nano Lett

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1530-6984
1530-6992

Volume Title

18

Publisher

American Chemical Society (ACS)
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K016636/1)
European Research Council (647144)