# Optomechanical Probes with Tailored Material and Shape Asymmetry Assembled Using DNA Origami

## TL;DR

Scientists created custom-shaped microscopic probes using DNA origami to study physical phenomena at the quantum level.

## Contribution

A new bottom-up fabrication method for optomechanical probes with controlled asymmetry using DNA origami.

## Key findings

- Janus-type colloidal heterodimers were synthesized using DNA origami nanostructures.
- The probes were successfully manipulated in 2D and 3D using optical tweezers.
- The method allows for functionalization with optical components and tailoring of probe properties.

## Abstract

Optically trapped
microscopic probes with precisely defined
size,
shape, and composition can be used for quantitative environmental
sensing and for parametric investigation of fundamental physical phenomena
at the classical–quantum boundary. The preparation of uniform
ensembles of such probes is challenging, particularly considering
probes with controlled shape or material asymmetries. We report a
bottom-up strategy for fabricating the optomechanical probes using
DNA nanotechnology. Specifically, we synthesize Janus-type colloidal
heterodimers comprising two microspheres of different materials and
sizes interconnected by 24HB DNA origami nanostructures. The interconnecting
DNA origami scaffolds both facilitate the heterodimer assembly and
enable their functionalization with other optical components. The
utility of the fully assembled probes is then demonstrated by their
2D and 3D manipulation with optical tweezers. The versatility of the
presented approach opens up the way toward fabricating novel custom-tailored
probes for optomechanical experiments.