Bifunctional DNA architectonics: three-way junctions with sticky perylene bisimide caps and a central metal lock

A new type of a bifunctional DNA architecture based on a three way junction is developed that combines the structural motif of sticky perylene bisimide caps with a tris-bipyridyl metal ion lock in the center part. A clear stabilizing effect was observed in the presence of Fe(3+), Ni(2+) and Zn(2+) by the formation of corresponding bipyridyl complexes in the branching part of the DNA three way junctions. The dimerization of the 5'-terminally attached perylene diimides (PDI) chromophores by hydrophobic interactions can be followed by significant changes in the UV/Vis absorption and steady-state fluorescence. The PDI-mediated DNA assembly occurs at temperatures below the melting temperature and is not influenced by the metal-ion bipyridyl locks in the central part. The corresponding AFM images revealed the formation of higher-ordered structures as the result of DNA assemblies mediated by the PDI interactions.