Three-dimensional structures self-assembled from DNA bricks

Science. 2012 Nov 30;338(6111):1177-83. doi: 10.1126/science.1227268.

Abstract

We describe a simple and robust method to construct complex three-dimensional (3D) structures by using short synthetic DNA strands that we call "DNA bricks." In one-step annealing reactions, bricks with hundreds of distinct sequences self-assemble into prescribed 3D shapes. Each 32-nucleotide brick is a modular component; it binds to four local neighbors and can be removed or added independently. Each 8-base pair interaction between bricks defines a voxel with dimensions of 2.5 by 2.5 by 2.7 nanometers, and a master brick collection defines a "molecular canvas" with dimensions of 10 by 10 by 10 voxels. By selecting subsets of bricks from this canvas, we constructed a panel of 102 distinct shapes exhibiting sophisticated surface features, as well as intricate interior cavities and tunnels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Base Pairing*
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemical synthesis
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nucleotides / chemistry*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Nucleotides