pH-responsive, DNA-directed reversible assembly of graphene oxide.

Both graphene oxide (GO) and DNA can be used as building blocks for nano/micro devices or hybrid structures. Reversible assembly of these nanomaterials is highly desirable because of their promising applications in chemical sensors, energy storage, catalysis, and optoelectronic applications. However, reversible assembly of GO-DNA hybrid materials has not been achieved based on specific DNA hybridization and conformational transition. Here we report a general pH-responsive, DNA-directed assay for the design of a reversible assembly of GO-GO and GO-AuNPs hybrid using human telomeric G-quadruplex and i-motif DNA.