DNA aptamer release from the DNA-SWNT hybrid by protein recognition

Here we show the formation of the complex between a DNA aptamer and a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and its reaction with its target protein. The aptamer, which is specifically bound with thrombin, the target protein in this study, easily wraps and disperses the SWNT by noncovalent π-π stacking. The hybrid reacts with the target protein specifically and after that the aptamer-thrombin complex is detached from the SWNT.