Bioinspired reconfigurable cloverleaf DNA origami as a versatile platform for visual molecular detection

Abstract

DNA origami technology has revolutionized nanofabrication by enabling the evolution from static nanostructures to programmable dynamic systems. Herein, we present a bioinspired cloverleaf DNA origami system enabling structural reconfiguration, reversible molecular detection, and programmable higher-order assembly. Two basic cloverleaf related DNA origami structures were designed: a flexible four-leaf structure (Leaf4) and a stable four-leaf clover (Lucky4) stabilized by central linker staples, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and simulations (tacoxDNA, CanDo). Leaf4 transitions to a closed doughnut topology via apex strand replacement, mimicking water lily closure dynamics. Lucky4 serves as a sensing platform: its blades are functionalized with split capture strands, enabling target sequence binding visualized by AFM and subsequent toehold-mediated release. Extending this strategy, two Lucky4 units assemble into sandwich structures upon target addition, exhibiting double the height of single units. This reconfigurable system integrates biomimetic nanomechanics with visual molecular detection and modular nanostructure assembly.