Formation of non-base-pairing DNA microgels using directed phase transition of amphiphilic monomers.

ABSTRACT: Programmability of DNA sequences enables the formation of synthetic DNA nanostructures and their macromolecular assemblies such as DNA hydrogels. The base pair-level interaction of DNA is a foundational and powerful mechanism to build DNA structures at the nanoscale; however, its temperature sensitivity and weak interaction force remain a barrier for the facile and scalable assembly of DNA structures toward higher-order structures. We conducted this study to provide an alternative, non-base-pairing approach to connect nanoscale DNA units to yield micrometer-sized gels based on the sequential phase transition of amphiphilic unit structures. Strong electrostatic interactions between DNA nanostructures and polyelectrolyte spermines led to the formation of giant phase-separated aggregates of m

SUBMITTER: Lee C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9023257 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature