Modulating the lifetime of DNA motifs using visible light and small molecules

Light is an ideal stimulus to operate systems with transient, complex functions. Here we activate a merocyanine photoacid with visible light to form dissipative assemblies built from DNA. This approach does not require DNA sequence modification and can be used for a variety of i-motif/G-quadruplex-forming DNA oligomers with different sequences and lengths. Visible light, initial pH values, and a small molecule binder jointly control the kinetics of the system and the relative distribution of species within it. Our modular approach allows for waste-free control of dissipative DNA nanotechnology, towards the generation of non-equilibrium, life-like nanodevices.