Cation-dependent switching of DNA nanostructures.
DNA is a versatile building material for nanoconstruction because of its remarkable molecular-recognition capability and well-predicted duplex conformation. A number of DNA motifs have been engineered, which can assemble into well-defined nanostructures in Mg(2+)-containing buffer solution. XRD studies reveal that the DNA conformation is slightly influenced by divalent cations (such as Mg(2+) or Ca(2+)). This phenomenon can be utilized in DNA self-assembly for regulating self-assembled DNA nanostructures. As an initial step, a symmetric cross motif forms flat, periodic, 2D lattices in Mg(2+)-containing solutions, but long nanofibers in Ca(2+)-containing solutions. The obtained DNA fibers can serve as templates to fabricate CaCO(3) nanotubes and nanowires.
Purdue University, Department of Chemistry, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Yu
Y
He
Ye
Y
Tian
Yi
Y
Chen
Tao
T
Ye
Chengde
C
Mao
D002118:Calcium / Q000737:chemistry*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000737:chemistry; D002413:Cations, Divalent / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008274:Magnesium / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation
D002413:Cations, Divalent; D004247:DNA; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium