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Updated: May 9, 2026
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DNA Origami-Mediated Substrate Nanopatterning of Inorganic Structures for Sensing Applications
Published on: September 27, 2019
Molecular threading and tunable molecular recognition on DNA origami nanostructures
Na Wu1, Daniel M Czajkowsky, Jinjin Zhang
1Division of Physical Biology, and Bioimaging Center, Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|August 9, 2013
Summary
DNA origami nanostructures can be functionalized by threading single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) through their holes. This finding enables new applications for DNA nanotechnology and single-molecule studies.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- DNA origami enables nanodevice assembly and single-molecule studies.
- Controlled attachment of functional materials to DNA origami is crucial but limited by its two-sided nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) can thread through holes in 2D DNA origami designs.
- To demonstrate a new method for functionalizing DNA origami nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 2D DNA origami nanostructures with patterned biotinylated ssDNA spacers.
- Employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) to monitor streptavidin binding, indicating ssDNA passage.
Main Results:
- Provided unambiguous evidence of ssDNA threading through origami holes from one side to the other.
- Demonstrated successful attachment of functional ligands to predefined sites via ssDNA threading.
Conclusions:
- Holes in 2D DNA origami are sufficient for ssDNA passage, enabling functionalization across the structure.
- This previously overlooked feature offers new interpretations for past experiments and novel opportunities in DNA nanotechnology.
