Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
11:42
Iterative Optimization of DNA Duplexes for Crystallization of SeqA-DNA Complexes
Published on: November 1, 2012
10.4K
Hierarchical Crystals Formed from DNA-Functionalized Janus Nanoparticles.
Guolong Zhu1, Ziyang Xu1, Ye Yang1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering , Tsinghua University , Beijing 100084 , People's Republic of China.
ACS Nano
|September 7, 2018
Summary
Researchers created novel hierarchical crystalline nanoparticle assemblies using DNA. DNA hybridization directed nanoparticle orientation into various structures beyond initial crystallization, enabling predictable multi-level crystal design.
Area of Science:
- Nanoparticle assembly
- Materials science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Anisotropic interactions in DNA-mediated nanoparticle assembly offer a rational strategy for advanced materials.
- Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) functionalized with DNA chains are key components for complex self-assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the formation of novel hierarchical crystalline assemblies of Janus nanoparticles functionalized with two types of DNA chains (DNA-JNPs).
- To investigate the role of DNA hybridization in directing nanoparticle rotational orientation and forming secondary crystalline phases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular dynamics simulations to model the behavior of DNA-JNPs.
- Mapped phase diagrams relating asymmetric parameters to observed crystalline structures.
Main Results:
- Observed primary crystallization into face-centered cubic (FCC) structure.
- Identified secondary crystalline phases including simple cubic (SC), tetragonally ordered cylinder (P4), and lamella (L) structures, directed by DNA hybridization.
- Characterized crystallization dynamics as a two-step process: entropy-dominated translation and enthalpy-dominated rotation.
- Found that high DNA sequence length asymmetry favors tetrahedral nanoclusters due to conformational entropy penalties.
Conclusions:
- DNA-JNPs can form hierarchical crystalline structures with tunable secondary phases.
- The study provides a framework for designing nanoparticle crystals with predictable multi-level structures and properties.
- This approach has implications for creating advanced materials with tailored functionalities.
Related Concept Videos
02:42Ionic Crystal Structures
17.1K
Ionic crystals consist of two or more different kinds of ions that usually have different sizes. The packing of these ions into a crystal structure is more complex than the packing of metal atoms that are the same size.
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
17.1K
01:25Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
5.0K
Crystallization is a phase transformation process in which crystals are precipitated from a supersaturated solution or formed from other sources. During crystallization, atoms or molecules arrange themselves into a well-defined, rigid crystal lattice to minimize energy.
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent...
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent...
5.0K
02:58Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
30.9K
Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
30.9K
02:57DNA-only Transposons
17.5K
DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
17.5K
02:46Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
48.5K
Tetrahedral Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
48.5K
02:45Functional Groups
88.9K
Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...
88.9K