Reconfigurable Liquids Stabilized by DNA Surfactants

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyelectrolyte microcapsules are typically made via layer-by-layer assembly or at liquid-liquid interfaces.
• Controlling the physical state of interfacial assemblies is crucial for advanced material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct novel DNA microcapsules using cooperative assembly of DNA and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-NH2).
• To investigate the tunable physical states of these DNA-based interfacial assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Cooperative assembly of DNA and amine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-NH2) at the oil-water interface.
• In situ formation of "Janus-like" DNA surfactants (DNASs) creating an elastic film.
• Control over the jamming and unjamming behavior of DNASs to modulate physical states.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed DNA microcapsules at the oil-water interface.
• Demonstrated that DNASs form an elastic film with tunable states: solid-like, elastomer-like, and liquid-like.
• Showcased the ability to lock-in and reconfigure liquid structures via interfacial jamming.

Conclusions:

• DNA microcapsules with tunable physical properties were created using a novel cooperative assembly method.
• The ability to control interfacial assembly states offers potential for advanced applications.
• These programmable liquid constructs show promise for drug delivery, biphasic reactors, and reconfigurable materials.