Design and Assembly of a Cargo-Agnostic Hollow Two-Lidded DNA Origami Box

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• DNA origami enables precise nanoscale shape design.
• Existing DNA nanostructures are often 2D, 3D solid, or flexible, limiting cargo capacity.
• A need exists for hollow, enclosed DNA nanostructures for versatile cargo handling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and assemble a novel hollow DNA origami box with two lids.
• To characterize the assembly conditions and cargo loading capabilities.
• To explore strategies for active loading and surface functionalization.

Main Methods:

• Design and assembly of a hollow DNA origami box structure.
• Isothermal characterization of assembly kinetics.
• Demonstration of charge-dependent passive loading of small molecules.
• Design of staple extensions for active loading and surface modification.

Main Results:

• Successful assembly of a hollow DNA origami box with two lids.
• Rapid isothermal assembly achieved within minutes.
• Passive loading of small molecules demonstrated to be charge-dependent.
• Staple extensions designed for controlled cargo loading and surface functionalization.

Conclusions:

• The developed hollow DNA origami box offers a promising platform for cargo encapsulation and release.
• The structure's rapid assembly and tunable loading mechanisms enhance its utility.
• This design advances DNA origami applications in drug delivery and nanomedicine.