The programmable nature of DNA allows the construction of custom‐designed static and dynamic nanostructures, and assembly conditions typically require high concentrations of magnesium ions that restricts their applications. In other solution conditions tested for DNA nanostructure assembly, only a limited set of divalent and monovalent ions are used so far (typically Mg2+ and Na+). Here, we investigate the assembly of DNA nanostructures in a wide variety of ions using nanostructures of different sizes: a double‐crossover motif (76 bp), a three‐point‐star motif (~134 bp), a DNA tetrahedron (534 bp) and a DNA origami triangle (7221 bp). We show successful assembly of a majority of these structures in Ca2+, Ba2+, Na+, K+ and Li+ and provide quantified assembly yields using gel electrophoresis and visual confirmation of a DNA origami triangle using atomic force microscopy. We further show that structures assembled in monovalent ions (Na+, K+ and Li+) exhibit up to a 10‐fold higher nuclease resistance compared to those assembled in divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ba2+). Our work presents new assembly conditions for a wide range of DNA nanostructures with enhanced biostability.
The programmable nature of DNA allows the construction of custom-designed static and dynamic nanostructures, and assembly conditions typically require high concentrations of magnesium ions which restricts their applications. In other solution conditions tested for DNA nanostructure assembly, only a limited set of divalent and monovalent ions have been used so far (typically Mg2+ and Na+). Here, we investigate the assembly of DNA nanostructures in a wide variety of ions using nanostructures of different sizes: a double-crossover motif (76 bp), a three-point-star motif (~134 bp), a DNA tetrahedron (534 bp) and a DNA origami triangle (7221 bp). We show successful assembly of a majority of these structures in Ca2+, Ba2+, Na+, K+ and Li+ and provide quantified assembly yields using gel electrophoresis and visual confirmation of a DNA origami triangle using atomic force microscopy. We further show that structures assembled in monovalent ions (Na+, K+ and Li+) exhibit up to a 10-fold higher nuclease resistance compared to those assembled in divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+ and Ba2+). Our work presents new assembly conditions for a wide range of DNA nanostructures with enhanced biostability.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.