Light‐Responsive DNA Droplets for Controlling Enzyme Cascade Pathways by Dynamic Phase Separation

Abstract Precise control of enzymatic cascade pathways is essential for deepening our understanding of metabolic processes and designing synthetic biochemical systems. In this study, we present a novel approach to modulate these cascades using light‐responsive DNA droplets. Y‐motif sequences with azobenzene‐modified sticky ends (SE) were designed to form DNA droplets via liquid–liquid phase separation. These droplets enable selective sequestration of enzymes within compartments, allowing dynamic regulation of enzymatic cascades in response to ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) light stimuli. As a model system, we employed an incompatible enzymatic cascade, involving glucose oxidase (GOx), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and catalase (CAT). Under visible light, the DNA droplets co‐localize enzymes within the compartments, effectively regulating metabolic flux without altering the total enzyme concentration. Upon UV exposure, the droplets disassemble, releasing the sequestered enzymes and altering cascade dynamics. The versatility of this approach was further demonstrated using an alternative enzymatic cascade system comprising galactose oxidase (GAO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and CAT. This system demonstrates that light‐responsive DNA droplets are a powerful tool for regulating enzymatic pathways, with potential applications in synthetic biology, microreactor design, and bioengineering.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2025-05-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202505316
Primary Topic
Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Light‐Responsive DNA Droplets for Controlling Enzyme Cascade Pathways by Dynamic Phase Separation

Hui Chen, Jing Zheng, X. Ju, Kemin Wang et al.
Angewandte Chemie
Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation
article

Light‐Responsive DNA Droplets for Controlling Enzyme Cascade Pathways by Dynamic Phase Separation

Hui Chen, Jing Zheng, X. Ju, Kemin Wang, Xiaohai Yang, Shaohong Zhou, Jianbo Liu, Yanwen Zhang
article en

Abstract

Abstract Precise control of enzymatic cascade pathways is essential for deepening our understanding of metabolic processes and designing synthetic biochemical systems. In this study, we present a novel approach to modulate these cascades using light‐responsive DNA droplets. Y‐motif sequences with azobenzene‐modified sticky ends (SE) were designed to form DNA droplets via liquid–liquid phase separation. These droplets enable selective sequestration of enzymes within compartments, allowing dynamic regulation of enzymatic cascades in response to ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) light stimuli. As a model system, we employed an incompatible enzymatic cascade, involving glucose oxidase (GOx), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and catalase (CAT). Under visible light, the DNA droplets co‐localize enzymes within the compartments, effectively regulating metabolic flux without altering the total enzyme concentration. Upon UV exposure, the droplets disassemble, releasing the sequestered enzymes and altering cascade dynamics. The versatility of this approach was further demonstrated using an alternative enzymatic cascade system comprising galactose oxidase (GAO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and CAT. This system demonstrates that light‐responsive DNA droplets are a powerful tool for regulating enzymatic pathways, with potential applications in synthetic biology, microreactor design, and bioengineering.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 137(31)
Hunan University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 89%
Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.