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Published on: August 14, 2018
Light-tunable DNA interactions enable spatiotemporal assembly and relaxation-driven crystallization of colloids
Etienne Ducrot1,2, Patrick A Hage3, Bas G P van Ravensteijn3
1Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal - CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, 115 avenue du Docteur Schweitzer, 33600 Pessac, France. etienne.ducrot@crpp.cnrs.fr.
Soft Matter
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed light-controlled DNA interactions for precise colloidal self-assembly. This method allows dynamic control over particle arrangement and structure formation under isothermal conditions, enabling new adaptive materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Colloidal self-assembly is key for creating complex structures.
- Current methods often rely on global temperature changes, limiting precise control.
- Achieving spatiotemporal control over assembly pathways is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel strategy for dynamic, light-controlled modulation of DNA-mediated colloidal interactions.
- To program interaction landscapes in space and time for precise self-assembly.
- To explore new routes for colloidal crystallization using light-responsive materials.
Main Methods:
- Grafting azobenzene-functionalized DNA strands (azoDNA) onto colloidal particles.
- Utilizing photo-isomerization of azobenzene to tune DNA duplex stability.
- Applying varying illumination conditions to control interparticle binding under isothermal conditions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated reversible and continuous tuning of DNA duplex stability via light.
- Achieved light-controlled regulation of interparticle binding and colloidal structure formation.
- Showcased spatially patterned aggregation and dynamic reconfiguration of colloidal structures.
- Revealed relaxation-mediated colloidal crystallization driven by the gradual recovery of DNA stickiness.
Conclusions:
- Light can program both the strength and temporal evolution of DNA-mediated interactions.
- Developed a versatile platform for spatiotemporally controlled self-assembly.
- Enabled the creation of adaptive colloidal materials with light-responsive properties.
