Abstract
We constructed a DNA-based nanomechanical device called the nanometronome. Our device is made by introducing complementary single-stranded overhangs at the two arms of the DNA four-way junction. The ticking rates of this stochastic metronome depend on ion concentrations and can be changed by a set of DNA-based switches to deactivate/reactivate the sticky end. Since the device displays clearly distinguishable responses even with a single base pair difference, it may lead to a single molecule sensor of minute sequence differences of a target DNA.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 496-500 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Nano letters |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Chemistry(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanical Engineering