DNA’s exceptional molecular attributes as a self-assembling, double-stranded, sequence-defined polymer underlie genetic continuity and make DNA a unique material for the fabrication of complex objects. The potential allowed by these attributes is now partly realized through DNA origami technologies, which fold molecules into desired shapes by hybridization of short oligonucleotide staple strands to a “long” single-stranded DNA (~7 kb) scaffold. However, using ssDNA as a scaffold limits the potential size, complexity and mechanical characteristics of the objects that can be created. Consequently, we are leveraging the robust mechanical properties of <b>double stranded </b>DNA to develop large (&gt;100 kb) scaffolds that can be used to make micro-scale objects. By decorating the dsDNA scaffold with single-stranded flaps and adding short oligonucleotide straps that hybridize across multiple flaps, we can retain nanometer precision when folding these molecules. This approach is designed to create the fundamental building blocks for the fabrication of microscale objects and machines that will complement the abilities of DNA origami.

Self-assembly of microscale objects using large, double-stranded DNA molecules

255th National Meeting (2018)

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