DNA Origami Microstructures as Biomimetic Scaffolds for Calcium Phosphate Mineralization

DNA technology has enabled the creation of molecular structures with endless creativity and exceptional fidelity. These structures, including DNA origami, are on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers in size and have previously been shown to influence solid-forming reactions like silica, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate mineralization related to bone and enamel formation, providing new promise for biomedical applications. In this work, we expand the dimensions of DNA technology to produce micron-sized (0.01-100 μm2) DNA origami arrays. These arrays are controllable in their assembly and enhance the mineralization of calcium phosphate within the footprint of the array. Structures that resemble sheets, webs, and fibers have been mineralized. TEM and AFM imaging has identified a range of mineral morphologies including small (10-50 nm) amorphous clusters, dense layers of mineral, and mineral forming along the length of origami fibers. This range of morphologies shows the versatility of this array design. Mineralized materials with specific micron dimensions, such as these, could prove useful in future bone repair applications.