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DNAfacing

DNAfacing is a concept in molecular biology and bioengineering describing the deliberate presentation of DNA molecules with a defined orientation on a surface, in a solution, or within a nanostructure to influence downstream interactions. The term is used in both theoretical discussions and early experimental work to emphasize that the facing polarity and spatial arrangement of a DNA strand can affect enzyme access, binding specificity, and readout direction.

Researchers describe several practical implementations, such as attaching DNA with directional linkers that expose a uniform

Applications span sequencing and single-molecule analysis, where facing orientation can improve signal uniformity or enable directional

Limitations include achieving high occupancy and orientation purity on large scales, maintaining stability under assay conditions,

See also: DNA sequencing, DNA origami, surface chemistry, nanopore technology.

5'
end
toward
a
detector,
using
asymmetric
adapters
in
sequencing
workflows,
or
anchoring
strands
to
DNA
origami
frames
so
that
they
face
a
chosen
region
of
a
sensor
surface.
reading,
as
well
as
biosensor
design
and
the
construction
of
oriented
DNA-based
nanomaterials.
In
data
storage
concepts
that
use
DNA
as
a
medium,
DNAfacing
addresses
the
orientation
of
data-encoded
strands
to
facilitate
retrieval
and
error
control.
and
added
fabrication
complexity.
The
field
is
exploratory,
with
definitions
and
best
practices
still
evolving,
and
DNAfacing
is
not
yet
universally
adopted
as
a
formal
standard.