Self-assembly and nanoaggregation of a pH responsive DNA hybrid amphiphile

This work describes the design and preparation of a simple but novel hybrid amphiphile containing a pH-responsive DNA sequence. The formation of a bimolecular i-motif structure allows the control of reversible switching of the hybrid amphiphile between the dimer and unimer by pH. Thus, spherical aggregates with distinct self-assembly pathways, sizes and structures are obtained at pH 4.5 and pH 9.0, and the structures can be switched by the change of pH and thermal annealing. This work reports different self-assembled nanostructures and their transitions that give this amphiphile potential for the design of controllable drug delivery systems.