Assembly of DNA Architectures in a Non-Aqueous Solution

• Main Authors: Thomas J. Proctor, Christina M. Jacob, Christopher M. Anton, Amethist S. Finch, Dimitra N. Stratis-Cullum
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2012-08-01
• Series: Nanomaterials
• Subjects: DNA nanostructures; bioelectronics; biodirected assembly; CTAC; DNA
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/2/3/275

In the present work, the procedures for the creation of self-assembled DNA nanostructures in aqueous and non-aqueous media are described. DNA-Surfactant complex formation renders the DNA soluble in organic solvents offering an exciting way to bridge the transition of DNA origami materials electronics applications. The DNA retains its structural features, and these unique geometries provide an interesting candidate for future electronics and nanofabrication applications with potential for new properties. The DNA architectures were first assembled under aqueous conditions, and then characterized in solution (using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy) and on the surface (using atomic force microscopy (AFM)). Following aqueous assembly, the DNA nanostructures were transitioned to a non-aqueous environment, where butanol was chosen for optical compatibility and thermal properties. The retention of DNA hierarchical structure and thermal stability in non-aqueous conditions were confirmed via CD spectroscopy. The formation and characterization of these higher order DNA-surfactant complexes is described in this paper.