Silica nano-channel induced i-motif formation and stabilization at neutral and alkaline pH

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Jun 21;54(51):7054-7057. doi: 10.1039/c8cc02811g.

Abstract

Here, we have developed a new strategy to stabilize i-motif DNA in neutral and alkaline media by incorporating C-rich sequences inside silica nano-channels. Subsequently, the reversibility of this conformational transition has been achieved using a positively charged protein. Importantly, this entire conformational transition can be performed in multiple cycles, which offers an alternative way to control i-motif formation other than pH and thermal annealing.