Core-Shell and Layer-by-Layer Assembly of 3D DNA Crystals.

Area of Science:

• DNA nanotechnology
• Materials science
• Crystallography

Background:

• DNA nanotechnology aims to create 3D crystals for molecular scaffolding.
• The BET66 DNA 13-mer self-assembles into crystals using various base-pairing rules.
• These DNA crystals feature solvent channels capable of holding guest molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate core-shell crystal growth in DNA nanotechnology.
• To create multilayered DNA crystals with distinct, layer-specific functionalities.
• To explore the potential of DNA crystals as tunable, periodic biomaterials.

Main Methods:

• Self-assembly of the BET66 DNA 13-mer into crystalline structures.
• Incorporation of guest molecules during crystal assembly to form distinct layers.
• Post-crystallization covalent attachment of guest molecules within crystal channels.

Main Results:

• Successful assembly of DNA crystals with two or more discrete layers (core-shell growth).
• Layers are structurally identical at the DNA level but differentiated by guest molecule presence.
• Demonstrated layer-specific covalent attachment of guest molecules via crystal solvent channels.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first example of biomacromolecular core-shell crystal growth using DNA.
• Controlling guest molecule properties allows for the creation of multifunctional periodic biomaterials.
• This approach offers a new route to engineer DNA-based materials with tailored optical, chemical, and physical characteristics.