Tunable DNA Origami Nanosensors for Detection of Multiscale Spatial Ion Concentration Gradients.

ABSTRACT: Ion gradients play a vital role in cellular signaling, mechanobiology, and organ-level homeostasis. Despite their importance, accurately mapping these spatial gradients at biologically relevant length scales remains a challenge due to the limited tunability and spatial resolution of conventional fluorescent sensors. Here, we present a DNA origami-based sensor (NanoDyn) with tunable sensitivity that enables the detection of Na⁺ ion gradients across micron to millimeter scales. The sensor design leverages programmable DNA base-pairing interactions to control both the detection range and sensitivity of the sensor. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that NanoDyn can exhibit programmable sensing ranges spanning ~100 - 1675 mM Na⁺. To validate the ability to quantify

SUBMITTER: Beshay P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12632894 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature