A team of researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, developed a new molecular system capable of creating programmable micro-compartments that mimic the way cells organise their internal functions. The study was published in JACS – Journal of the American Chemical Society, one of the most authoritative journals in the field of chemistry.

This technology is based on structures called DNA nanostars, synthetic DNA molecules designed in the laboratory with four arms. Three of these arms end with adhesive sequences that allow the nanostars to recognise each other and bind together in a controlled manner. The fourth arm is modified with an antigen, i.e. a molecular portion specifically recognised by an antibody.

When the correct antibody is present, it binds to the antigens of different nanostars and acts as a molecular bridge, connecting them together and creating spherical micro-compartments. It is the presence of the antibody that “decides” when these compartments form, dissolve or reform: this is why the system is programmable. By varying the type and quantity of antibody, researchers can precisely control the behaviour of the system.

The innovative part of this work consists in demonstrating that DNA and antibodies can be used together as building blocks to create dynamic microstructures that artificially reproduce a logic typical of biological systems: forming highly regulated internal environments in response to a specific signal. This mechanism is the basis of natural cellular organisation and represents one of the most complex traits to imitate in the laboratory.

‘This discovery opens up exciting possibilities. The ability of micro-compartments to form in response to specific molecules, for example, could be used to detect biological markers, enabling new diagnostic tools,’ says Erica Del Grosso, principal investigator of the project and associate professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

‘Our hybrid antibody-DNA micro-compartments are like a bridge between biology and technology,’ confirms Francesco Ricci, principal investigator of the project and full professor at the same department. ‘They are not only stable and precise, but also programmable, providing a way to create artificial cell-like structures and support research into new biomaterials.’

‘Combining DNA and antibodies is like building a bridge between two worlds: discovering how these molecules interact and collaborate opens up new perspectives and makes my research increasingly stimulating.’ adds Sara Scalia, first author of the article and PhD student in the group led by Francesco Ricci.

‘From a theoretical point of view, we have succeeded in developing a model that explains the origin of micro-compartments and predicts their behaviour,’ concludes Lorenzo Rovigatti, professor of theoretical physics at Sapienza University of Rome, ‘an important step towards the development of applications in the biomedical and materials science fields.’

The project was supported by the European Research Council (ERC), the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC), the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and NextGenerationEU – Mission 4, Component 2.

References: Immune-Induced Antibody–DNA Hybrid Condensates - Sara Scalia, Marco Cappa, Lorenzo Rovigatti, Erica Del Grosso, and Francesco Ricci -Journal of the American Chemical Society, Articles ASAP (Article) - October 23, 2025 - DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c13855