Enzyme-Mediated Dissipative Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR)

We report here a novel strategy to achieve enzyme-mediated dissipative control over hybridization chain reaction (HCR). To achieve this, we have rationally re-engineered a reversible HCR approach so that the assembly and disassembly of DNA polymers can be transiently regulated by RNA/DNA fuel strands in combination with specific enzymatic fuel-consuming units. This strategy enables regulation over multiple cycles with precisely programmable lifetimes. Finally, we demonstrate two applications: a multi-input dissipative HCR simultaneously controlled by two different enzymes, and the transient control of a DNA-based polymeric scaffold functionalized with a light-up aptamer.