Evolution of Multidimensional DNA Origami Crystal Habits by Bottom-Up Shaping and Top-Down Cutting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Macroscopic crystal morphology is crucial for device fabrication, influencing properties and economics.
• Precise control of crystal shape at the optico-microscopic scale (1-100 µm) in solution is technologically underdeveloped.
• Existing methods lack control over fine processing of crystal dimensions and shapes in solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a programmable wet-chemistry approach for precise micrometer crystal shaping.
• To demonstrate the controlled evolution of multidimensional DNA origami crystal habits.
• To enable the design of crystals with predefined shapes, anisotropy, and dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a programmable wet-chemistry strategy for crystal processing.
• Demonstrated the programmable control over DNA origami crystal habits.
• Developed a method for exfoliating crystals along designated planes in solution.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise shaping of micrometer crystals with controlled habits and dimensions.
• Decoupled DNA origami building block symmetry from crystallization packing modes.
• Enabled the creation of 2D crystals with inherited 3D structural and morphological characteristics.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach offers a novel solution for fine crystal processing at the microscale.
• This method eliminates the need for de novo DNA origami design and trial-and-error.
• Customizable crystal habits and structures hold potential for enhancing DNA crystal performance.