Stimulus-Responsive Catalytic Nanosystems Based on DNA-Encoded Copper Nanoclusters and the DNA Allosteric Effect.

ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2026 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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Study snapshot

PublicationACS applied materials & interfaces · 2026

Study typein_vitro

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

DNA-encoded nanomaterials have been widely developed, of which the properties are dependent on the DNA sequences and structures. Herein, stimulus-responsive catalytic nanosystems are presented based on DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (DNA-CuNCs) and the DNA allosteric effect. DNA-CuNCs synthesized with one of the DNA homopolymers, poly guanine with 5 guanine bases (5G DNA), as the template reveal apparent and stable catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol reduction by NaBH. The rules are disclosed regarding the inhibition effects of diverse DNA on the catalytic activity of 5G-CuNCs. Of note, through adjusting the molar ratio of poly adenine (polyA) and poly thymine (polyT) from 1:1 to 1:2, a triplex DNA structure consisting of T-A·T triplets (poly(TAT)) was generated from a duplex with T-A base pairings (poly(AT)), which enabled the catalytic activity of 5G-CuNCs restored from the inactivated states in the presence of polyA or poly(AT). Hence, catalytic properties of 5G-CuNCs are encoded by different DNA structures and regulated reversibly through fuel-driven DNA allostery between duplex poly(AT) and triplex poly(TAT), thus yielding intriguing switchable catalytic nanosystems, which are also utilized for sensing designated DNA strands or one early cancer biomarker. It is believed that our research will contribute to formulating smart nanoprobes and nanodrugs for precise detection and therapy in the future.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typein_vitro

Effect directionunclear

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

DNA-templated copper nanoclusters synthesized using 5G DNA showed apparent and stable catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction. Diverse DNA sequences/structures inhibited this activity, and forming a triplex poly(TAT) structure by adjusting polyA:polyT ratio restored catalytic activity from inactivated states in the presence of polyA or poly(AT). The reversible duplex–triplex DNA allostery enabled switchable catalytic nanosystems used for sensing designated DNA strands or an early cancer biomarker.

Outcomes measured

Catalytic activity of DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (DNA-CuNCs) toward 4-nitrophenol reduction
Inhibition/restoration of catalytic activity via different DNA sequences/structures (duplex poly(AT) vs triplex poly(TAT))
Switchable catalytic nanosystem for sensing designated DNA strands or an early cancer biomarker

View raw extracted JSON

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  "outcomes": [
    "Catalytic activity of DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (DNA-CuNCs) toward 4-nitrophenol reduction",
    "Inhibition/restoration of catalytic activity via different DNA sequences/structures (duplex poly(AT) vs triplex poly(TAT))",
    "Switchable catalytic nanosystem for sensing designated DNA strands or an early cancer biomarker"
  ],
  "main_findings": "DNA-templated copper nanoclusters synthesized using 5G DNA showed apparent and stable catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction. Diverse DNA sequences/structures inhibited this activity, and forming a triplex poly(TAT) structure by adjusting polyA:polyT ratio restored catalytic activity from inactivated states in the presence of polyA or poly(AT). The reversible duplex–triplex DNA allostery enabled switchable catalytic nanosystems used for sensing designated DNA strands or an early cancer biomarker.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
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  "keywords": [
    "DNA-encoded nanomaterials",
    "DNA-templated copper nanoclusters",
    "DNA-CuNCs",
    "allosteric effect",
    "stimulus-responsive catalysis",
    "4-nitrophenol reduction",
    "NaBH4",
    "duplex DNA",
    "triplex DNA",
    "poly(AT)",
    "poly(TAT)",
    "biosensing",
    "cancer biomarker"
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c21489
PubMed: 41633811

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