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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Molecular tuning of DNA framework-programmed silicification by cationic silica cluster attachment
Xinxin Jing1,2, Haozhi Wang1, Jianxiang Huang3,4
1State Key Laboratory of Synergistic Chem-Bio Synthesis, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
Scientists discovered ultrastable cationic silica clusters (CSCs) that assemble on DNA nanostructures. This breakthrough offers a new model for amorphous silica mineralization, enabling precise control over silica-based material design.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biomineralization research explores complex biological structures.
- Nonclassical crystallization pathways are known for crystalline biominerals.
- Templated amorphous silica mineralization understanding is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate templated amorphous silica mineralization.
- Report the discovery of cationic silica clusters (CSCs).
- Utilize DNA nanostructures for controlled silica assembly.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of cationic silica clusters (CSCs).
- Assembly of CSCs using DNA nanostructures as templates.
- Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified ultrastable, monodispersed cationic silica clusters (~3.9 nm diameter).
- Demonstrated hierarchical branched structure of CSCs.
- Achieved high-fidelity silicification through CSC assembly on DNA templates.
Conclusions:
- Proposed a unified model for silicification via cluster attachment.
- Enabled molecular tuning of silica sol-gel reactions.
- Provided insights for designing functional silica-based materials.
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