We demonstrate a general approach to functionalize micrometer sized colloidal particles with oligonucleotide (DNA). Using strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloadditions (SPAAC), particles with dense, stable and evenly distributed DNA are obtained. The resulting colloidal particles can self-assembled into crystalline structures mediated by DNA hybridization. Polystyrene and TPM (methacrylate silica hybrid) based particles are shown as examples. The particle surface is first functionalized with azide, and then allowed to conjugate with dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) modified DNA with sticky ends. The strategy is selective toward functional groups and surface chemistry, enabling the site-specific functionalization of patchy particles. Our effort toward crystallization of such particles will also be demonstrated.

Crystallization of micrometer sized colloids with DNA hybridization

248th National Meeting (2014)

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