(160a) Enhanced Resistance of DNA Nanostructures to Enzymatic Digestion

The ability of enzymes to bind their substrates, and to perform catalytic functions, depends on environmental conditions and molecular recognition. Due to their size and shape, discrete DNA nanostructures might have unusual properties when compared to linear DNA. We report the enhanced resistance of a DNA tetrahedron to the action of several nucleases, both specific and non-specific. Most dramatically, the DNA tetrahedron is substantially more stable than its linear counterparts in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum at physiological temperature. A tentative explanation, based on the properties of DNA and the enzymes studied, is presented. Designs of DNA nanostructures intended for biological applications will therefore require additional considerations. We are currently exploring the possibility of a nanostructure-based approach to antisense gene knockdown.