Fig. 1: Aptamer-based mechanoprobes (MPs) enable cell-type-specific mechanosensing and programmable control via upstream DNA reaction networks. | Nature Communications

Fig. 1: Aptamer-based mechanoprobes (MPs) enable cell-type-specific mechanosensing and programmable control via upstream DNA reaction networks.

From: Synthetic aptamer mechanoreceptors enable cell-specific force sensing and temporal control via DNA circuits

Fig. 1: Aptamer-based mechanoprobes (MPs) enable cell-type-specific mechanosensing and programmable control via upstream DNA reaction networks.

The all-nucleic-acid MP consists of a cell-targeting aptamer ligand and a DNA duplex serving as a force sensor. A fluorophore–quencher pair (Rhodamine Red X and BHQ2) transduces mechanical forces into fluorescence signals upon duplex dissociation. Specific force transmission is gated by aptamer–receptor recognition, allowing for cell-type-selective responses. Tuning the geometry of the duplex enables force thresholding to filter defined mechanical inputs. Integration with upstream DNA reaction networks (DRNs) permits programmable and nonlinear regulation of aptamer accessibility, establishing a versatile framework for engineered mechanotransduction.

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