Single-stranded DNA is a versatile construction material that can be programmed to self-assemble into nanoscale devices driven by the free energy of base pair formation. Triggered self-assembly can be achieved using the mechanism of hybridization chain reaction (HCR), in which metastable DNA monomers assemble only upon exposure to a target DNA fragment. This functionality allows DNA to act as an amplifying transducer for biosensing applications.

References and Footnotes

1. R. M. Dirks and N. A. Pierce Proc Natl Acad Sci 101 15275-15278, (2004).