Molecular Threading-Dependent Mass Transport in Paper Origami for Single-Step Electrochemical DNA Sensors

Molecular transport controls the efficiency of complex biological network systems such as cellular signaling system and cascade biomedical reaction. However, device fabrication for molecular sensing is often restricted by a low transport efficiency and complicated processing. Here, we report a molecular threading-dependent transport system using three-dimensional (3D) paper origami enabling the directional transport of biomolecules. We demonstrate that framework nucleic acid-based interface engineering allows orthogonal molecular recognition and enzymatic reaction with programmed order on site. We thus develop a single-step electrochemical DNA sensor for quantitative analysis with 1 picomolar sensitivity within 60 min. Our sensor can discriminate a mismatched target at the level of a single base mismatch. Our study shows a great potential toward the development of a biomimetic molecular transport system for point-of-care and precision diagnosis.