DNA Sequence and Length Dictate the Assembly of Nucleic Acid Block Copolymers.
J Am Chem Soc
; 144(27): 12272-12279, 2022 07 13.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35762655
ABSTRACT
The self-assembly of block copolymers is often rationalized by structure and microphase separation; pathways that diverge from this parameter space may provide new mechanisms of polymer assembly. Here, we show that the sequence and length of single-stranded DNA directly influence the self-assembly of sequence-defined DNA block copolymers. While increasing the length of DNA led to predictable changes in self-assembly, changing only the sequence of DNA produced three distinct structures spherical micelles (spherical nucleic acids, SNAs) from flexible poly(thymine) DNA, fibers from semirigid mixed-sequence DNA, and networked superstructures from rigid poly(adenine) DNA. The secondary structure of poly(adenine) DNA strands drives a temperature-dependent polymerization and assembly mechanism copolymers stored in an SNA reservoir form fibers after thermal activation, which then aggregate upon cooling to form interwoven networks. DNA is often used as a programming code that aids in nanostructure addressability and function. Here, we show that the inherent physical and chemical properties of single-stranded DNA sequences also make them an ideal material to direct self-assembled morphologies and select for new methods of supramolecular polymerization.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Ácidos Nucleicos
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Am Chem Soc
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá