Here we present a strategy to stabilize DNA triplexes by the attachment of perfluorinated tails to the 3′ and/or 5′ end of oligodeoxyribonucleotides. The tails preferentially associate with one another via the “fluorous effect” without compromising sequence selectivity. The most stable complex resulted in a dramatic 14 °C increase in melting temperature at neutral pH. This orthogonal recognition approach broadens the applications of triplex DNA in diagnostics, therapy, and DNA nanotechnology.
Taladriz‐Sender et al. (Mon,) studied this question.