DNA Logic Nanodevices for Real-Time Monitoring of ATP in Lysosomes

DNA logic nanodevices have prospects in molecular recognitions but still face challenges in achieving DNA computation-controlled regulation in specific compartments of living cells. By incorporating the i-motif sequence and ATP aptamers into a Y-shaped DNA (Y-DNA) structure, and applying gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the transporting carrier, herein we present a new type of DNA logic nanodevices to monitor the ATP levels in lysosomes of living cells. Triple energy transfers including dual fluorescent resonance energy transfers (FRETs) and a nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) occurred in the DNA logic nanodevices. It was identified that the proposed nanodevices perform an AND logic operation to output FRET signals only when an endogenous proton and ATP simultaneously exist in the cellular microenvironment. Owing to the use of the i-motif sequence, the nanodevices have lysosome-recognizing capacity without causing alkalization of the acidic organelle, making DNA computation-controlled regulation at the level of cellular organelles achievable. These DNA logic nanodevices show high application prospects in lysosome-related cellular function and disease treatment.