Hybrid DNA Origami - Graphene Platform for Electrically-Gated Nanoscale Motion

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• DNA origami enables precise nanoscale structure fabrication.
• Graphene's electronic properties offer unique interactions with light-emitting molecules.
• Near-field energy transfer is crucial for nanoscale optical phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a proof-of-principle device for axial high-resolution operation.
• To investigate the influence of graphene's electrostatic potential on fluorophore fluorescence lifetimes.
• To explore the potential of a DNA origami-graphene hybrid architecture for sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid device integrating DNA origami with a functionalized graphene layer.
• Attachment of ATTO-488 fluorophores to DNA origami at specific distances from graphene.
• Analysis using nanoscopy and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM).
• Electrical gating of the graphene layer to modulate electrostatic potential.

Main Results:

• Observed changes in fluorescence lifetimes of ATTO-488 fluorophores upon electrical gating of graphene.
• Correlated changes in fluorescence lifetimes with energy transfer coupling and vertical displacement of DNA origami.
• Demonstrated voltage-dependent nanoscale operation of the hybrid architecture.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid architecture shows tunable nanoscale operation based on applied voltage.
• This technology holds promise for developing novel biocompatible sensors for medical and environmental applications.
• The findings advance the understanding of fluorophore-graphene interactions at the nanoscale.