Programming folding cooperativity of the dimeric i-motif with DNA frameworks for sensing small pH variations

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The response sensitivity of a molecular sensor is determined by the folding cooperativity of its responsive module. Using an H⁺-responsive dimeric DNA i-motif as a model, we demonstrate the enhancement of its folding cooperativity through preorganization by a DNA framework, and with it we fabricate robust intracellular pH sensors with high response sensitivity.