DNA‐Based Devices: Nanolattices of Switchable DNA‐Based Motors (Small 19/2012)

The self-assembly properties of DNA are used by B. Saccà et al. to construct periodic arrays of switchable and optically traceable DNA motors. The reversible switching of Gquadruplex motifs between two well-defined conformational states, described on page 3000, is triggered by a specific hybridization event, which induces a linear translational movement, observable by FRET spectroscopy. This DNA-based nanoscaffolding strategy allows control over the distribution density of the motor moieties with nanometer precision. This is essential for the high efficiency of the system and for the generation of complex multi-responsive materials.