DNA Crystals as Vehicles for Biocatalysis

Abstract

Here we demonstrate that protein enzymes captured in the solvent channels of three-dimensional DNA crystals are catalytically active. Using RNase A as a model enzyme system, we show that crystals infused with enzyme can cleave a dinucleotide substrate with similar kinetic restrictions as other immobilized enzyme systems. This new vehicle for immobilized enzymes, created entirely from biomolecules, opens possibilities for developing modular solid-state catalysts that could be both biocompatible and biodegradable.