Sequence-specifically addressable hairpin DNA-single-walled carbon nanotube complexes for nanoconstruction.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are attractive building blocks for molecular electronics and novel materials. Generating functional architectures with SWCNTs requires methodologies for dispersing, purifying, and binding these highly insoluble quasi one-dimensional molecules. We have previously shown that unstructured DNA strands bind to carbon nanotubes so tightly that it is difficult to address them with complementary strands. Here we show that hairpin oligonucleotides give SWCNT suspensions more concentrated than those obtainable with previously optimized DNA sequences. Further, hairpin-forming oligonucleotides and (6,5)-SWCNTs form complexes that are addressable with complementary, triplex-forming oligonucleotides. As proof of principle, we show that DNA-SWCNT complexes can be bound sequence-specifically with oligonucleotides featuring fluorophores or quantum dots. The new method brings SWCNTs of exquisite purity into the realm of DNA-based nanostructuring.
Müller
Katharina
K
University of Karlsruhe , D-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Malik
Sharali
S
Richert
Clemens
C
D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D055029:Inverted Repeat Sequences; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D012995:Solubility; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D004247:DNA