Innovative Experiment:Binary Digital Encryption and Reading Based on DNA Nanoswitches
DUAN Jin-Wei1,2, ZHAO Jia-Ting2, WANG Lu-Yao3, SONG Zhe3, HU Xin-An3, XU Li-Yan3, CUI Lin1**
1. College of Sciences,Chang'an University,Xi'an 710064,China; 2. Shaanxi Weishinuo Biotechnology Co.Ltd, Xi'an 710304,China; 3. School of Civil Engineering,Chang'an University,Xi'an 710061,China
Abstract We integrated DNA nanotechnology into experimental teaching and designed an innovative experiment. In our experiment,we utilized the“open”and“closed”states of a DNA nanoswitch to represent 0 and 1 respectively.By adding RNA single strands,we prepared four types of DNA nanoswitches.The binary expression of numbers 0-9 is achieved through the differential migration rates of the switches in agarose gel electrophoresis,while the password is encrypted using RNase A's specific action on RNA.Subsequently,the password is decrypted and read using DNA single strands.This experiment successfully integrates binary algorithms from information science into DNA nanotechnology,enabling students not only to master relevant knowledge and experimental skills in DNA nanotechnology but also experience a new method of information encryption and decryption.
DUAN Jin-Wei, ZHAO Jia-Ting, WANG Lu-Yao, SONG Zhe, HU Xin-An, XU Li-Yan, CUI Lin. Innovative Experiment:Binary Digital Encryption and Reading Based on DNA Nanoswitches[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2025, 46(16): 39-46.
