Programming Directed Motion with DNA-Grafted Particles

Abstract

Colloidal particles can be programmed to interact in complex ways by functionalizing them with DNA oligonucleotides. Adding DNA strand-displacement reactions to the system allows these interparticle interactions to respond to specific changes in temperature. We present the requirements for thermally driven directed motion of colloidal particles, and we explore how these conditions can be realized experimentally using strand-displacement reactions. To evaluate the concept, we build and test a colloidal "dancer": a single particle that can be driven to move through a programmed sequence of steps along a one-dimensional track composed of other particles. The results of these tests reveal the capabilities and limitations of using DNA-mediated interactions for applications in dynamic systems. Specifically, we discuss how to design the substrate to limit complexity while permitting full control of the motile component, how to ratchet the interactions to move over many substrate positions with a limited regime of control parameters, and how to use technological developments to reduce the probability of detachment without sacrificing speed.

A simple method to alter the binding specificity of DNA-coated colloids that crystallize

“…For a detailed step-by-step recipe, see the ESI † of ref. 52 We made azide-modified PS-PEO by first functionalizing PS-PEO (M w = 6500 g mol À1 PEO and 3800 g mol À1 PS, Polymer Source Inc.) with a methanesulfonate (Ms) group and then substituting the Ms groups with azide groups. To obtain PS-PEO-Ms, we mixed 100 mg of PS-PEO, 2 mL of dichloromethane (Sigma-Aldrich), and 42 mL of triethylamine (Sigma-Aldrich) in a glass vial, and stirred the mixture for 15 minutes on ice.…”

Multiscale Biofabrication: Integrating Additive Manufacturing with DNA‐Programmable Self‐Assembly

“…[73] Similarly, genelets and the DNA toolbox were shown to dynamically direct the assembly and disassembly of colloids into large aggregates, [89,90] and even the movement of microparticles along colloidal scaffolds. [91] While the well-defined structures developed in structural DNA nanotechnology provide a means to control the position of molecules with nanoscale precision, the complementary approaches For visualization, X-DNA gels can be fluorescently labeled using fluorophore-conjugated ssDNAs that are complementary to the sticky ends of the X-DNA linkers (III). Reproduced with permission.…”

“…[ 73 ] Similarly, genelets and the DNA toolbox were shown to dynamically direct the assembly and disassembly of colloids into large aggregates, [ 89,90 ] and even the movement of microparticles along colloidal scaffolds. [ 91 ]…”

Domain-Selective Enzymatic Cross-linking and Etching for Shape-Morphing DNA-Linked Nanoparticle Films

“…12−14 In recent years, reversible DNA binding has been further exploited to fabricate stimuli-responsive nanoparticle assemblies capable of delicate structural transformations. 4−9,15−18 Indeed, the capability of DNA to recognize and react to environmental changes provides unparalleled opportunities for the fabrication of dynamic nanostructures that respond to various external stimuli such as temperature, 19,20 ionic strengths, 21−24 small molecules, 24 and DNA. 4,7,8 However, the responsivity of DNA can also be a critical drawback.…”

“…The sequence-specific molecular recognition property of DNA has been actively used for programmable self-assembly of nanoparticles. − In one approach, DNA-modified nanoparticles were used as building blocks to construct various types of nanoparticle assemblies such as dimers, small clusters, and three-dimensional superstructures. − In another approach, DNA nanostructures were used as templates to organize nanoparticles into precisely designed assembly structures. − In recent years, reversible DNA binding has been further exploited to fabricate stimuli-responsive nanoparticle assemblies capable of delicate structural transformations. − ,− Indeed, the capability of DNA to recognize and react to environmental changes provides unparalleled opportunities for the fabrication of dynamic nanostructures that respond to various external stimuli such as temperature, , ionic strengths, − small molecules, and DNA. ,, However, the responsivity of DNA can also be a critical drawback. In particular, nanostructures constructed with DNA linkages dissolve at high temperatures or low salt concentrations.…”