Reusable molecular sensor based on photonic activation control of DNA probes

We propose a photoactivatable and resettable molecular sensor using DNA probes. The functionality is achieved by reversible change of DNA structure induced via photonic signals. Based on the mechanism, the sensor can detect target molecules at a desired instant and can be returned to its initial state after detection. The experimental results demonstrate that the concentrations of the target molecules are detected correctly and repeatedly according to the light signal.