Towards DNA comparator: The machine that compares DNA concentrations

Abstract

A DNA comparator, which compares the concentration of target strand with that of reference strand, was developed. To extend the potentiality of autonomous machines consisting of DNA, the DNA comparator was designed by utilizing a difference of kinetics between hybridizations and branch migrations. The performance was evaluated through a fluorescence quenching experiment. As a result, the DNA comparator can detect at least four times higher concentration of target strand compared with that of reference strand. Furthermore, the limitation of this DNA comparator is discussed based on the rate constants and the ratio of branch migration. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.