Reversibly tuning the mechanical properties of a DNA hydrogel by a DNA nanomotor

Abstract

By integrating a DNA motor based on an i-motif sequence that undergoes a pH-dependent conformational transition into a DNA hydrogel network, such microscopic transition leads to a macroscopic change in mechanical properties. This strategy allows reversible tuning of the mechanical strength of the hydrogel ranging from 250 Pa to 1000 Pa.