A Light-Controlled DNA Nanoclaw Machine: Integrated Multiplexed Recognition, Spatiotemporally Programmable Therapy, and Real-Time Electrochemical Signaling for Precision Receptor Regulation

Abstract

Cell membrane receptors are pivotal targets in precise therapeutics, yet their ubiquitous expression across tissues remains a fundamental barrier to achieving cell-specific intervention. To overcome the limitations of conventional monotargeting approaches, we developed a light-gated DNA nanoclaw machine (L-DNM) that integrates high-specificity recognition, spatiotemporally controlled therapy, and real-time monitoring of molecular activation within a unified nanoplatform. The L-DNM employed a multivalent targeting mechanism directed against a triple-marker signature, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), MUC1, and nucleolin (NCL), achieving exceptional targeting accuracy toward MCF-7 human breast cancer cells even in heterogeneous environments. Its novel photocleavable aptamer design ensures that the Met-inhibiting function remains biologically inert until activated by UV irradiation. This strategy enables precise spatiotemporal control over receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition with minimal off-target effects. Furthermore, the system couples therapeutic activation with instantaneous electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reporting, transforming molecular recognition events into quantifiable signals with high signal-to-noise ratio in complex matrices. By unifying multiplexed targeting, light-gated activation, and self-reporting capability, the L-DNM platform represents a transformative shift from conventional therapeutics to adaptive, intelligent theranostic systems.