Augmented DNA Nanoarchitectures: A Structural Library of 3D Self-Assembling Tensegrity Triangle Variants

Area of Science:

• * Nanotechnology and Materials Science
• * Structural Biology
• * Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• * DNA tensegrity triangles self-assemble into 3D rhombohedral lattices using sticky-end cohesion.
• * Existing methods offer limited control over the complexity and parameters of DNA lattices.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To expand the library of accessible DNA motifs through covalent extensions and coordinated linkages.
• * To achieve fine control over the crystal parameters of 3D DNA lattices.
• * To enable the rational design of complex, customizable DNA architectures.

Main Methods:

• * Employed covalent extensions of intertriangle regions in DNA tensegrity triangles.
• * Utilized sticky-end-coordinated linkages with double helical segments in symmetric and asymmetric configurations.
• * Determined the molecular structures of 18 self-assembled architectures using X-ray crystallography (3.32-9.32 Å resolution).

Main Results:

• * Successfully synthesized and characterized 18 novel self-assembled DNA architectures.
• * Observed crystal parameters (cell dimensions, cavity sizes, cross-sectional areas) align with theoretical predictions.
• * Demonstrated fine control over triclinic and rhombohedral crystal parameters in DNA lattices.

Conclusions:

• * Rational design enables precise control over 3D DNA lattice parameters.
• * Augmented DNA architectures can be tailored for self-assembly of designer nanocages and 3D nanomaterials.
• * Asymmetric crystalline building blocks represent a step towards 3D information encoding.