Mismatch discrimination and efficient photomodulation with split 10-23 DNAzymes

► The 10-23 DNAzyme's ability to function as separate strands was examined. ► The 10-23 DNAzyme cleaved VEGFR2 target mRNA at [Mg2+] = 0.01 mM. ► Split DNAzymes divided at the middle of the catalytic loop display highest activity. ► The split enzymes are more sensitive to single base mismatches with the target RNA. ► Efficient photomodulation was achieved using a biotin-streptavidin pair.