DNA-Programmed Four-Bit Quaternary Fluorescence Encoding (FLUCO) Enables 51-Colored Bioimaging Analysis

Abstract

Color encoding plays a crucial role in painting, digital photography, and spectral analysis. Achieving accurate, target-responsive color encoding at the molecular level has the potential to revolutionize scientific research and technological innovation, but significant challenges persist. Here, we propose a multibit DNA self-assembly system based on computer-aided design (CAD) technology, enabling accurate, target-responsive, amplified color encoding at the molecular level, termed fluorescence encoding (FLUCO). As a model, we establish a quaternary FLUCO system using four-bit DNA self-assembly, which can accurately encode 51 colors, presenting immense potential in applications such as spatial proteomic imaging and multitarget analysis. Notably, FLUCO enables the simultaneous imaging of multiple targets exceeding the limitations of channels using conventional imaging equipment, and marks the integration of computer science for molecular encoding and decoding. Overall, our work paves the way for target-responsive, controllable molecular encoding, facilitating spatial omics analysis, exfoliated cell analysis, and high-throughput liquid biopsy.