2021
Matter

Empowering single-molecule analysis with self-assembled DNA nanostructures

Authors:

Chen, Y., Wang, F., Feng, J., & Fan, C.

Keywords:

DNA nanotechnology, bioimaging, self-assembly, cellular nanopores, bioanalysis

Abstract:

Manipulation, measurement, and imaging of single molecules are of great importance for furthering our fundamental understanding of matter and living systems. The past decades have witnessed phenomenal advances in creating single-molecule tools to spatially and temporally control single-molecule events. DNA nanotechnology offers a promising solution for addressing key challenges for on-demand designability of new analytic platforms and controllability of dynamical processes for single-molecule analysis. Here we review recent advances in using self-assembled DNA nanostructures for single-molecule analysis. Thanks to their programmability, accuracy, hybridization dynamics, and chemical functionality, DNA nanostructures can not only act as a part of a “bottom-up” constructed analytic system, but also serve as a defined nanoobject for the calibration of new methodologies, empowering single-molecule analysis. Future research in building better self-assembled structures with sub-nm accuracy and defined optoelectronic properties and advanced molecular machineries with complex functionalities may open new adventures for in vitro and in vivo single-molecule analysis.