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DNA Self-Assembly of Single Molecules with Deterministic Position and Orientation.
Aleksandra K Adamczyk1, Teun A P M Huijben2, Miguel Sison3
1Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 3, FribourgCH-1700, Switzerland.
ACS Nano
|September 6, 2022
Summary
DNA origami enables precise nanoparticle and molecule organization. This study demonstrates controlled orientation of single molecules within DNA origami structures by adjusting unpaired DNA bases, enabling new nanodevice applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- The DNA origami technique offers precise bottom-up nanofabrication.
- Controlling the orientation of individual molecules within these structures remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate controlled orientation of single molecules using DNA origami.
- To explore the impact of DNA scaffold modifications on molecular orientation.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating single fluorophores (Cy5, Cy3) into DNA origami structures.
- Utilizing double-linking to oligonucleotide strands with varying numbers of unpaired bases (0-8).
- Analyzing the effect of unpaired bases on linker length and molecular mobility.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled orientation of single fluorophores within DNA origami.
- Demonstrated perpendicular and parallel orientations by varying unpaired bases (0 and 8, respectively).
- Unpaired bases influence linker stretching, mobility, and molecular accommodation.
Conclusions:
- This method allows precise control over single-molecule orientation in DNA origami.
- Expands DNA origami applications in nanodevices requiring orientation-dependent molecular interactions.
- Facilitates fabrication of nanodevices for energy transfer, catalysis, and nanoantennas.
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