Self-assembling DNA-caged particles: nanoblocks for hierarchical self-assembly

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates the self-assembly of DNA-caged particles, combining DNA-grafted colloids with DNA-based cages, to serve as nanoblocks for hierarchical nanoscale assembly.

Contribution

It introduces a new design of DNA-caged particles and analyzes their assembly yield and stability, advancing the understanding of DNA-based nanostructure formation.

Findings

Calculated equilibrium yield of tetrahedral DNA-caged particles

Discussed stability relative to alternative structures

Addressed experimental feasibility of the assembly process

Abstract

DNA is an ideal candidate to organize matter on the nanoscale, primarily due to the specificity and complexity of DNA based interactions. Recent advances in this direction include the self-assembly of colloidal crystals using DNA grafted particles. In this article we theoretically study the self-assembly of DNA-caged particles. These nanoblocks combine DNA grafted particles with more complicated purely DNA based constructs. Geometrically the nanoblock is a sphere (DNA grafted particle) inscribed inside a polyhedron (DNA cage). The faces of the DNA cage are open, and the edges are made from double stranded DNA. The cage vertices are modified DNA junctions. We calculate the equilibriuim yield of self-assembled, tetrahedrally caged particles, and discuss their stability with respect to alternative structures. The experimental feasability of the method is discussed. To conclude we indicate the usefulness of DNA-caged particles as nanoblocks in a hierarchical self-assembly strategy.