A Three-Station DNA Catenane Rotary Motor with Controlled Directionality

The assembly of DNA machines represents a central effort in DNA nanotechnology. We report on the first DNA rotor system composed of a two-ring catenane. The DNA rotor ring rotates in dictated directions along a wheel, and it occupies three distinct sites. Hg2+/cysteine or pH (H+/OH-) act as fuels or antifuels in positioning the rotor ring. Analysis of the kinetics reveals directional clockwise or anticlockwise population of the target-sites (>85%), and the rotor's direction is controlled by the shortest path on the wheel.