DNA-based switchable devices and materials

Other than carrying the code of life, in the past three decades, DNA has played an important role in weaving two- and even three-dimensional nanostructures by taking advantage of its programmable sequences and precise recognition properties. The highly specific base-pairing interactions of DNA molecules not only allow for the building of static DNA nanostructures, but also enable the construction of machine-like devices capable of responding to external stimuli, such as pH, small molecules, light, electricity, and temperature, thus performing tasks otherwise beyond our reach. This review summarizes DNA-based switchable devices and materials, particularly where the responsiveness of DNA is caused by changes in secondary structures, and more importantly, where such stimuli-responsive processes are reversible. This review covers DNA-based devices and materials from smart surfaces and responsive nanopores/nanochannels to DNA hydrogels, which are expected to be designed with even more intelligence in the future.