Synthetic ion channels made of DNA

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Natural ion channels have long inspired the design of synthetic nanopores with protein-like features. A significant leap towards this endeavor has been made possible using DNA origami. The exploitation of DNA as a building material has enabled the construction of biomimetic DNA nanopores with a range of pore dimensions and stimuli-responsive capabilities. However, structural fluctuations and ion leakage across the walls of DNA nanopores greatly limit their use in various applications like label-free sensing and as a research tool in functional studies of ion channels. This review outlines some of the guiding principles for biomimetic engineering of DNA-based ion channels, discusses the weaknesses of current DNA nanopore designs, and presents recent efforts to alleviate these limitations.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102567
JournalCurrent Opinion in Chemical Biology
Volume84
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2025

Keywords

  • Artificial cells
  • DNA nanopore
  • DNA origami
  • Ion transport
  • Sensing
  • Synthetic ion channels

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

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