Prescribed nanoparticle cluster architectures and low-dimensional arrays built using octahedral DNA origami frames

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomolecular Engineering

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) mesoscale clusters of nanoparticles, analogous to molecules, offer potential for tailored properties via collective effects.
• Fabricating such ordered nanoparticle architectures presents a significant challenge in materials science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general and versatile platform for assembling 3D nanoparticle clusters with pre-determined spatial arrangements.
• To demonstrate the utility of DNA origami for creating complex nanoparticle assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a DNA origami octahedron as a molecular frame with encoded vertices for nanoparticle placement.
• Employed cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for structural analysis of the DNA frame and nanoparticle coordination.
• Investigated the chiroptical properties of the assembled nanoclusters.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated 3D nanoparticle clusters with controlled symmetries and compositions using the DNA origami frame.
• Cryo-EM confirmed precise spatial arrangement of nanoparticles according to the designed frame structure.
• Demonstrated tunable chiroptical activity in nanoclusters by varying nanoparticle composition.
• Showcased the DNA octahedra's capability to act as programmable linkers for assembling 1D and 2D nanoparticle arrays.

Conclusions:

• The DNA origami octahedron provides a robust platform for fabricating complex 3D nanoparticle clusters.
• This method allows for precise control over nanoparticle arrangement, enabling the design of materials with specific properties.
• The platform is versatile, facilitating the creation of diverse cluster symmetries, compositions, and extended nanoparticle arrays.