Programmable DNA tile self-assembly using a hierarchical sub-tile strategy.
DNA tile based self-assembly provides a bottom-up approach to construct desired nanostructures. DNA tiles have been directly constructed from ssDNA and readily self-assembled into 2D lattices and 3D superstructures. However, for more complex lattice designs including algorithmic assemblies requiring larger tile sets, a more modular approach could prove useful. This paper reports a new DNA 'sub-tile' strategy to easily create whole families of programmable tiles. Here, we demonstrate the stability and flexibility of our sub-tile structures by constructing 3-, 4- and 6-arm DNA tiles that are subsequently assembled into 2D lattices and 3D nanotubes according to a hierarchical design. Assembly of sub-tiles, tiles, and superstructures was analyzed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. DNA tile self-assembly methods provide a bottom-up approach to create desired nanostructures; the sub-tile strategy adds a useful new layer to this technique. Complex units can be made from simple parts. The sub-tile approach enables the rapid redesign and prototyping of complex DNA tile sets and tiles with asymmetric designs.
School of Automation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
Xiaolong
X
Shi
Wei
W
Lu
Zhiyu
Z
Wang
Linqiang
L
Pan
Guangzhao
G
Cui
Jin
J
Xu
Thomas H
TH
LaBean
D000465:Algorithms; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded / Q000737:chemistry; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry
D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D004247:DNA