Owing to the value of DNA-wrapped single-walled carbon
nanotube
(SWNT)-based sensors for chemically specific imaging in biology, we
explore machine learning (ML) predictions DNA-SWNT serotonin sensor
responsivity as a function of DNA sequence based on the whole SWNT
fluorescence spectra. Our analysis reveals the crucial role of DNA
sequence in the binding modes of DNA-SWNTs to serotonin, with a smaller
influence of SWNT chirality. Regression ML models trained on existing
data sets predict the change in the fluorescence emission in response
to serotonin, ΔF/F, at over
a hundred wavelengths for new DNA-SWNT conjugates, successfully identifying
some high- and low-response DNA sequences. Despite successful predictions,
we also show that the finite size of the training data set leads to
limitations on prediction accuracy. Nevertheless, incorporating entire
spectra into ML models enhances prediction robustness and facilitates
the discovery of novel DNA-SWNT sensors. Our approaches show promise
for identifying new chemical systems with specific sensing response
characteristics, marking a valuable advancement in DNA-based system
discovery.