1 research outputs found
Designed DNA Crystal Habit Modifiers
DNA
is now one of the most widely used molecules for programmed
self-assembly of discrete nanostructures. One of the long-standing
goals of the DNA nanotechnology field has been the assembly of periodic,
macroscopic 3D DNA crystals for controlled positioning of guest molecules
to be used in a variety of applications. With continuing successes
in assembling DNA crystals, there is an enhanced need to tailor macroscopic
crystal propertiesî—¸including morphologyî—¸to enable their
integration into more complex systems. Here we describe the ability
to alter and control crystal habits of a 3D DNA crystal formed by
self-assembly of a DNA 13-mer. The introduction of “poison”
oligonucleotides that specifically disrupt critical noncanonical base-pairing
interactions in the crystal lattice leads to predictably modified
crystal habits. We demonstrate that the poison oligomers can act as
habit modifiers both during the initial crystallization and during
growth of shell layers on a crystal macroseed