Pathway-controlled formation of mesostructured all-DNA colloids and superstructures.

ABSTRACT: DNA has traditionally been used for the programmable design of nanostructures by exploiting its sequence-defined supramolecular recognition. However, control on larger length scales or even hierarchical materials that translate to the macroscale remain difficult to construct. Here, we show that the polymer character of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) can be activated via a nucleobase-specific lower critical solution temperature, which provides a unique access to mesoscale structuring mechanisms on larger length scales. We integrate both effects into ssDNA multiblock copolymers that code sequences for phase separation, hybridization and functionalization. Kinetic pathway guidance using temperature ramps balances the counteracting mesoscale phase separation during heating with nanoscale duplex r

SUBMITTER: Merindol R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6082344 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature