Biosensors (Apr 2022)

DNA-Modified Liquid Crystal Droplets

  • Xiuxiu Yang,
  • Xiao Liang,
  • Rajib Nandi,
  • Yi Tian,
  • Yiyang Zhang,
  • Yan Li,
  • Jingsheng Zhou,
  • Yuanchen Dong,
  • Dongsheng Liu,
  • Zhengwei Zhong,
  • Zhongqiang Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/bios12050275
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 5
p. 275

Abstract

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In this work, we have combined the advantages of sequence programmability of DNA nanotechnology and optical birefringence of liquid crystals (LCs). Herein, DNA amphiphiles were adsorbed onto LC droplets. A unique phenomenon of LC droplet aggregation was demonstrated, using DNA-modified LC droplets, through complementary DNA hybridization. Further functionalization of DNA-modified LC droplets with a desired DNA sequence was used to detect a wide range of chemicals and biomolecules, such as Hg2+, thrombin, and enzymes, through LC droplet aggregation and vice versa, which can be seen through the naked eye. These DNA-modified LC droplets can be printed onto a desired patterned surface with temperature-induced responsiveness and reversibility. Overall, our work is the first to report DNA-modified LC droplet, which provides a general detection platform based on the development of DNA aptamers. Additionally, this work inspires the exploration of surface information visualization combined with microcontact printing.

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