Driving DNA Origami Assembly with a Terahertz Wave

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c04369
• Publication Date: 2021-12-30T17:55:43Z
• Authors: Chao Zhang; Yifang Yuan; Kaijie Wu; Yue Wang; Shitai Zhu; Jiye Shi; Lihua Wang; Qian Li; Xiaolei Zuo; Chunhai Fan; Chao Chang; Jiang Li
• Keywords: DNA origami

Terahertz (THz) waves show nontrivial interactions with living systems, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be explored. Here, we employ DNA origami as a model system study between THz and structures. We find that 3-min illumination (35.2 THz) can drive unwinding of duplexes at ∼10 °C below their melting point. Computational reveals wave resonate vibration bases, provoking hydrogen bond breaking. The cooperation thermal nonthermal effects allows unfolding undesired secondary structures generate diverse assemblies yield (>80%) ∼ 4-fold higher than by contact heating similar temperatures. also demonstrate in situ assembly cell lysate. This method enables remotely controllable intact biomacromolecules, providing new insight into bioeffects waves.