title: DNA polyhedra with T-linkage.
abstract: This paper reports a strategy for DNA self-assembly. Cross-over-based DNA nanomotifs are held together by T-junctions instead of commonly used sticky-end cohesion. We have demonstrated this strategy by assembling a DNA tetrahedron, an octahedron, and an icosahedron. The resulting DNA polyhedra contain out-pointing, short DNA hairpin spikes. These hairpins are well-structured relative to the polyhedra core and provide potential locations for introduction of functional chemicals such as proteins and gold nanoparticles. The T-linked DNA polyhedra have been characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Chuan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Chenhui
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Guansong
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chengde
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008422:Materials Testing; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D010316:Particle Size
chemical_list: D004247:DNA