Hierarchical Assembly of Multilayer Core-Shell DNA Origami Crystals

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Multilayer core-shell architectures are promising for microscale multifunctional isolation and cascade processes.
• Fabricating complex single-crystal architectures with precise shell distribution is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for constructing microscale multilayer core-shell DNA origami crystals.
• To demonstrate tunable properties of internal layers, including size, quantity, self-similarity, and morphology.
• To enable customized nanomaterial capture and compartmentalized reactions within each layer.

Main Methods:

• Utilized DNA nanotechnology to engineer DNA origami structures.
• Constructed multilayer core-shell crystals with varying shell sizes (700–1800 µm³).
• Fabricated crystals with up to five layers, including non-self-similar and heteromorphic designs.

Main Results:

• Successfully created microscale multilayer core-shell DNA origami crystals.
• Demonstrated tunable layer properties: size, quantity (up to five), self-similarity, and morphology.
• Achieved operational independence of each layer for customized nanomaterial capture.
• Showcased potential for compartmentalized reactions within the crystal structure.

Conclusions:

• The developed DNA origami crystals offer a novel platform for microscale compartmentalization.
• These structures facilitate the customized capture of distinct nanomaterials.
• Potential applications include simulating cellular functions and constructing artificial organelles.