Encoding hierarchical 3D architecture through inverse design of programmable bonds.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Advances in nanoscale fabrication are crucial for technological progress.
• Organizing nanoparticles into complex 3D structures remains a significant challenge.
• Existing methods lack precise control over hierarchical organization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel inverse design strategy for assembling nanoparticles into ordered 3D structures.
• To utilize DNA voxels with directional bonds for precise nanoscale organization.
• To explore the relationship between encoded information and assembly fidelity.

Main Methods:

• An inverse design approach was employed to identify and prescribe DNA voxels (mesovoxels).
• Directional and addressable bonds on DNA voxels were used for self-assembly.
• Experimental and computational methods were used to investigate assembly fidelity.
• Nanoparticle assembly into target 3D crystals was demonstrated.

Main Results:

• Hierarchically ordered 3D nanoparticle organizations were successfully created.
• Periodic 3D nanoparticle structures with low-dimensional elements and helical motifs were fabricated.
• A nanoscale analogue of a face-centred perovskite crystal was assembled.
• A distributed Bragg reflector utilizing plasmonic and photonic regimes was constructed.

Conclusions:

• The DNA voxel-based inverse design approach offers a powerful strategy for fabricating complex 3D nanoscale materials.
• This method allows for precise control over the hierarchical organization of nanoparticles.
• The developed technique has potential applications in creating advanced optical and electronic devices.