Cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA)
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules
Published on: April 12, 2019
Sabine Fluegel1, Michael Maskos
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, University Mainz, Welder Weg 11, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
Abstract:
Oligo-desoxyribonuleic acids (ODNs) having a sequence of 5'-TCC ATG ACG TTC-3' were modified at the 5' end by introduction of an amine group via a C6-amino linker. After subsequent reaction of the amine group with N-methacryloyloxysuccinimide, polymerizable ODNs were obtained. Free radical homopolymerization results in the formation of comb polymers, which possess an ODN side-chain at each repeating unit of the main chain. Mainly due to steric repulsion, the main chain has to adopt a semi-flexible wormlike shape instead of the otherwise preferred coiled structure. This leads to the formation of cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA) molecules. Characterization by static and dynamic light scattering of the poly(oligo-DNA) in aqueous solution gave a radius of gyration Rg,app = 67.8 nm, a hydrodynamic radius Rh,app = 44.6 nm, and a characteristic ratio of rho = Rg/Rh = 1.52, indicating the cylindrical shape in solution. In addition, the cylindrical poly(oligo-DNA) molecules were adsorbed onto mica and visualized by atomic force microscopy.
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