2D DNA lattices assembled from DX-coupled tiles

Area of Science:

• DNA nanotechnology
• Self-assembly of DNA nanostructures
• Biomolecular engineering

Background:

• Circular 106-mer oligonucleotides (c106nt) can form double crossover (DX) tiles.
• These tiles have potential for creating large-span DNA structures with complex mechanics.
• Exploring different tile designs, packing modes, and assembly environments is crucial for 2D lattice formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation of 2D DNA lattices using coupled DX tiles.
• To explore the influence of tile design, packing, and assembly medium on lattice formation.
• To characterize the resulting DNA nanostructures and their assembly characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of two distinct c106nt scaffold strands.
• Design and characterization of four tile types (two rectilinear, two triangular).
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of 2D assemblies in solution and on substrate.

Main Results:

• DX-coupled tiles demonstrated sufficient rigidity for 2D lattice assembly.
• Solution-based assembly yielded limited ordered lattices, with tile oligomers dominating.
• Substrate-mediated assembly produced highly organized monolayer lattices with novel herringbone packing.

Conclusions:

• Substrate mediation significantly enhances the formation of ordered 2D DNA lattices.
• Coupled DX tiles are suitable building blocks for constructing complex DNA nanostructures.
• The discovery of herringbone packing opens new avenues in DNA lattice design.