DNA Origami Route for Nanophotonics

TL;DR

This paper reviews how DNA origami, a programmable self-assembly technique, enables the creation of complex nanophotonic systems with high precision, opening new avenues in nanoplasmonics and imaging.

Contribution

It highlights recent advances and potential future applications of DNA origami in designing sophisticated nanophotonic devices.

Findings

DNA origami allows precise nanoscale structure fabrication.

Applications in nanoplasmonics and super-resolution imaging are expanding.

Future prospects include tailored, functional nanophotonic systems.

Abstract

The specificity and simplicity of the Watson-Crick base pair interactions make DNA one of the most versatile construction materials for creating nanoscale structures and devices. Among several DNA-based approaches, the DNA origami technique excels in programmable self-assembly of complex, arbitrary shaped structures with dimensions of hundreds of nanometers. Importantly, DNA origami can be used as templates for assembly of functional nanoscale components into three-dimensional structures with high precision and controlled stoichiometry. This is often beyond the reach of other nanofabrication techniques. In this Perspective, we highlight the capability of the DNA origami technique for realization of novel nanophotonic systems. First, we introduce the basic principles of designing and fabrication of DNA origami structures. Subsequently, we review recent advances of the DNA origami applications in nanoplasmonics, single-molecule and super-resolution fluorescent imaging, as well as hybrid photonic systems. We conclude by outlining the future prospects of the DNA origami technique for advanced nanophotonic systems with tailored functionalities.