2017 journal article
Engineered Diblock Polypeptides Improve DNA and Gold Solubility during Molecular Assembly
ACS NANO, 11(1), 831–842.
author keywords: directed self-assembly; molecular assembly; protein engineering. DNA nanotechnology; protein polymer; diblock polypeptide; solution compatibilization
MeSH headings : DNA / chemistry; Gold / chemistry; Macromolecular Substances / chemistry; Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Nanotechnology; Particle Size; Peptides / chemistry; Protein Engineering; Solubility; Surface Properties
TL;DR:
Initial data is presented showing that the diblock polypeptides promote the formation in the solution of desired organic/inorganic assemblies, as well as two 3D tetrahedral DNA origamis.
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UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018
Programmed molecular recognition is being developed for the bionanofabrication of mixed organic/inorganic supramolecular assemblies for applications in electronics, photonics, and medicine. For example, DNA-based nanotechnology seeks to exploit the easily programmed complementary base-pairing of DNA to direct assembly of complex, designed nanostructures. Optimal solution conditions for bionanofabrication, mimicking those of biological systems, may involve high concentrations of biomacromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) and significant concentrations of various ions (Mg2+, Na+, Cl-, etc.). Given a desire to assemble diverse inorganic components (metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanostructures, etc.), it will be increasingly difficult to find solution conditions simultaneously compatible with all components. Frequently, the use of chemical surfactants is undesirable, leaving a need for the development of alternative strategies. Herein, we discuss the use of artificial, diblock polypeptides in the role of solution compatibilizing agents for molecular assembly. We describe the use of two distinct diblock polypeptides with affinity for DNA in the stabilization of DNA origami and DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (spheres and rods) in solution, protection of DNA from enzymatic degradation, as well as two 3D tetrahedral DNA origamis. We present initial data showing that the diblock polypeptides promote the formation in the solution of desired organic/inorganic assemblies.