DNAcoated

DNAcoated refers to materials, surfaces, or particles whose exterior has been functionalized with DNA strands. This coating enables programmable interactions based on Watson-Crick base pairing, allowing selective binding, self-assembly, and molecular recognition. DNAcoated components include nanoparticles, polymers, silica, and glass surfaces, and the term is commonly used for DNA-coated gold nanoparticles and DNA-coated vesicles or films.

Preparation methods typically involve attaching DNA to the substrate through covalent chemistry or high-affinity linkages. Common approaches include thiol-DNA on gold surfaces, silane chemistry for oxide surfaces, and biotin-streptavidin or click-chemistry linkages. The density, length, and sequence of the DNA grafted onto the surface can be tuned to control hybridization strength, specificity, and exchange dynamics.

Properties of DNAcoated materials arise from the underlying nucleic acid interactions. Specific binding can be triggered by complementary sequences, and responses can be reversible under changing salt concentration, temperature, or through strand displacement. DNA coatings can also impart biocompatibility or reduce nonspecific adsorption, but stability in complex environments can be a challenge. Factors such as nuclease activity, ionic strength, and crowding influence performance.

Applications span biosensing, molecular programming, and nanotechnology. DNAcoated particles serve as programmable building blocks for self-assembled materials, targeted capture of nucleic acids or pathogens, and dynamic sensors. In diagnostics, DNA-coated surfaces enable selective hybridization-based detection, while in materials science they support DNA-directed assembly and reconfiguration. Limitations include stability, scalability, and potential non-specific interactions, which researchers address through design optimization and protective chemistries.