Single-Molecule Mechanochemical Sensing Using DNA Origami Nanostructures.

Single-molecule techniques such as fluorescence-based methods offer superior sensitivity in biosensing. By direct coupling of analyte recognition and signal amplification, a new sensing strategy, single-molecule mechanochemical sensing, has demonstrated high signal-to-noise ratio in the detection of chemicals and biochemicals. However, parallel sensing is limited. In this strategy, DNA origami nanoassemblies with different sensing probes are used as templates for multiplexing tasks. Assisted by the mechanochemical reporting units, these templates are capable of simultaneous detection of biological samples such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and DNA fragments in microfluidic channels. The origami-based strategy therefore increases multitasking compatibility of the mechanochemical sensing.