Volume 56, Issue 48 pp. 15210-15233
Review

Triplex DNA Nanostructures: From Basic Properties to Applications

Dr. Yuwei Hu

Dr. Yuwei Hu

Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Alessandro Cecconello

Alessandro Cecconello

Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Dr. Andrea Idili

Dr. Andrea Idili

Department of Chemistry, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Prof. Francesco Ricci

Corresponding Author

Prof. Francesco Ricci

Department of Chemistry, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy

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Prof. Itamar Willner

Corresponding Author

Prof. Itamar Willner

Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel

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First published: 26 April 2017
Citations: 301

Graphical Abstract

DNA triplex structures are stabilized by Watson–Crick and Hoogsteen/reverse Hoogsteen interstrand interactions. This Review summarizes recently reported DNA-triplex-based systems and their application as switches, sensors, and for controlled drug delivery. In addition, the implementation of DNA triplex structures for the design of stimuli-responsive materials is presented.

Abstract

Triplex nucleic acids have recently attracted interest as part of the rich “toolbox” of structures used to develop DNA-based nanostructures and materials. This Review addresses the use of DNA triplexes to assemble sensing platforms and molecular switches. Furthermore, the pH-induced, switchable assembly and dissociation of triplex-DNA-bridged nanostructures are presented. Specifically, the aggregation/deaggregation of nanoparticles, the reversible oligomerization of origami tiles and DNA circles, and the use of triplex DNA structures as functional units for the assembly of pH-responsive systems and materials are described. Examples include semiconductor-loaded DNA-stabilized microcapsules, DNA-functionalized dye-loaded metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and the pH-induced release of the loads. Furthermore, the design of stimuli-responsive DNA-based hydrogels undergoing reversible pH-induced hydrogel-to-solution transitions using triplex nucleic acids is introduced, and the use of triplex DNA to assemble shape-memory hydrogels is discussed. An outlook for possible future applications of triplex nucleic acids is also provided.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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