A three-station DNA catenane rotary motor with controlled directionality.

Lu, Chun-Hua; Cecconello, Alessandro; Elbaz, Johann; Credi, Alberto; Willner, Itamar · Nano Lett · 2013

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The assembly of DNA machines represents a central effort in DNA nanotechnology. We report on the first DNA rotor system composed of a two-ring catenane. The DNA rotor ring rotates in dictated directions along a wheel, and it occupies three distinct sites. Hg(2+)/cysteine or pH (H(+)/OH(-)) act as fuels or antifuels in positioning the rotor ring. Analysis of the kinetics reveals directional clockwise or anticlockwise population of the target-sites (>85%), and the rotor's direction is controlled by the shortest path on the wheel.

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