Creation of single molecular conjugates of metal-organic cages and DNA

Abstract

Here we report the development of an equimolar conjugate of a metal-organic cage (MOC) and DNA (MOC-DNA). Several MOC-DNA conjugates were assembled into a programmed structure by coordinating with a template DNA having a complementary base sequence. Moreover, conjugation with the MOC drastically enhanced the permeability of DNA through the lipid bilayer, presenting great potential as a drug delivery system.