Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of target nucleic acids using enzyme-assisted nanotechnology. More specifically, the present invention provides a molecular nanotechnology in the form of a transition-state DNA-enzyme molecular switch and methods of use that enables direct and sensitive detection of viral RNA targets in native clinical samples. In one embodiment, the detection comprising steps of providing a composition comprising at least one DNA polymerase enzyme, at least one enhancer, and at least one DNA polymerase inhibitor, wherein the DNA polymerase inhibitor is recognized and bound by the DNA polymerase enzyme via its conserved region, and is complementary to a portion of the enhance via its variable region. In another embodiment, the detection method comprising steps of providing a signalling nanostructure and detecting signal development, wherein a change in the intensity of signal. In an alternative embodiment, the target nucleic acid is a SARS-CoV-2 polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to signalling catalytic nucleic acid nanostructures that are responsive to polymerase activity, methods of their use, devices and kits comprising the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a catalytic signalling nanostructure comprising a DNAzyme/RNAzyme, such as G-quadruplex hemin, and a polymerase—responsive element. Polymerase elongation of the polymerase-responsive element eliminates catalytic activity of the DNAzyme/RNAzyme. The catalytic nucleic acid nanostructure can be used alone or paired with a target recognition nanostructure which can transduce molecular signals into polymerase activity, in an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems including a set of interacting nucleic acid structures for use in detecting and/or identifying a target comprising: a nucleic acid sequence capable of being conjugated to a moiety directed to the target; and a nucleic acid nanostructure comprising a segment sequence complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid sequence capable of being conjugated to a moiety directed to the target. The moiety directed to the target may be an antibody, and the nucleic acid nanostructure may be a tetrahedron.