Hierarchical assembly of DNA origami nanostructures

Abstract

The use of DNA nanotechnology is rapidly growing due to the unprecedented programmability of geometric, mechanical, and dynamic properties. This technology has led to an impressive library of nanoscale structures and devices that are useful across physics, chemistry, and engineering. A challenge for materials researchers and engineers is to reliably expand DNA technology to larger scales, much like natural biomolecular materials assemble nanoscale components into functional filaments, capsules, and more. This review explores the expansion of structural DNA nanotechnology to the micrometer scale and beyond, covering strategies for hierarchical assembly of DNA nanostructures using (1) DNA base pairing, (2) base stacking interactions, and (3) DNA-peptide conjugates while highlighting examples of how these supramolecular assemblies are being used as functional materials. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].