The
development of a synthetic code that enables a sequence programmable
feature like DNA represents a key aspect toward intelligent molecular
systems. We developed herein the well-known dynamic covalent interaction
between boronic acids (BAs) and catechols (CAs) into synthetic nucleobase
analogs. Along a defined peptide backbone, BA or CA residues are arranged
to enable sequence recognition to their complementary strand. Dynamic
strand displacement and errors were elucidated thermodynamically to
show that sequences are able to specifically select their partners.
Unlike DNA, the pH dependency of BA/CA binding enables the dehybridization
of complementary strands at pH 5.0. In addition, we demonstrate the
sequence recognition at the macromolecular level by conjugating the
cytochrome c protein to a complementary polyethylene glycol chain
in a site-directed fashion.