1 research outputs found
One dimensional boundaries for DNA tile self-assembly
In this paper we report the design and synthesis of DNA molecules (referred to as DNA tiles) with specific binding interactions that
guide self-assembly to make one-dimensional assemblies shaped as lines,
V's and X's. These DNA tile assemblies have been visualized by atomic
force microscopy. The highly-variable distribution of shapes - e.g.,
the length of the arms of X-shaped assemblies - gives us insight into
how the assembly process is occurring. Using stochastic models that
simulate addition and dissociation of each type of DNA tile, as well
as simplified models that more cleanly examine the generic phenomena,
we dissect the contribution of accretion vs aggregation, reversible vs
irreversible and seeded vs unseeded assumptions for describing the
growth processes. The results suggest strategies for controlling
self-assembly to make more uniformly-shaped assemblies