Simply by using a steep gradient in ion concentration, we show that DNA can be upconcentrated at the tip of a micropipette by several order of magnitude, which allows to enforce DNA hybridization and also the formation of DNA gels from “nanostars”.
This effect might have relevance for the development of inexpensive bioanalytical tests, but could also play a role in prebiotic settings that involve large variations in salt concentration.
Katzmeier, F. & Simmel, F. C. Reversible Self‐Assembly of Nucleic Acids in a Diffusiophoretic Trap. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. e202317118 (2024).