Yao Yao, Zhang Xun, Liu Xin, Zhang Xiaokang, Wang Bin, Zhang Qiang
School of Computer Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China.
Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Intelligent Computing, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, Liaoning, China.
ACS Nano. 2025 Jul 15;19(27):24763-24772. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5c01802. Epub 2025 Jul 4.
Communication plays a crucial role in advancing human civilization, yet ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted signals remains a critical challenge. In this context, DNA represents a paradigm-shifting medium owing to its molecular programmability, ultrahigh information density, and native biocompatibility. Building on these advantages, we integrate lambda exonuclease (Exo λ) to harness DNA's programmability for constructing molecular beacon architectures, enabling precise signal recognition and processing in molecular communication systems. We developed a DNA-based dual-layer encrypted carrier communication system through modular molecular programming, supporting precise signal modulation, demodulation, and secure signal transmission. The system's core innovation is the DNA hairpin locker (DHL), an Exo λ-resistant architecture that dynamically responds to DNA signals while maintaining stable operation (with input/output orthogonality), forming our prototype molecular communication platform. To accommodate diverse modulation needs, we engineered three allosteric DHL variants supporting nine distinct input/output configurations. Additionally, we implemented a binary data-block unit and a codebook translation protocol to enhance security and extensibility. Anti-interference analysis and mitigation strategies ensure a robust system operation. This DHL-based architecture, with its programmable and modular features, provides a reliable molecular communication strategy and shows promising potential for applications in biosensing and synthetic biology.
通信在推动人类文明进步中发挥着关键作用，但确保传输信号的保密性和完整性仍然是一项严峻挑战。在这种背景下，由于DNA具有分子可编程性、超高信息密度和天然生物相容性，它代表了一种范式转变的媒介。基于这些优势，我们整合了λ核酸外切酶（Exo λ），利用DNA的可编程性构建分子信标架构，从而在分子通信系统中实现精确的信号识别和处理。我们通过模块化分子编程开发了一种基于DNA的双层加密载波通信系统，支持精确的信号调制、解调以及安全的信号传输。该系统的核心创新是DNA发夹锁（DHL），这是一种抗Exo λ的架构，能在保持稳定运行（输入/输出正交性）的同时动态响应DNA信号，形成了我们的原型分子通信平台。为满足多样化的调制需求，我们设计了三种变构DHL变体，支持九种不同的输入/输出配置。此外，我们实施了二进制数据块单元和码本翻译协议，以增强安全性和可扩展性。抗干扰分析和缓解策略确保了系统的稳健运行。这种基于DHL的架构具有可编程和模块化的特点，提供了一种可靠的分子通信策略，在生物传感和合成生物学应用中显示出广阔的潜力。
