@article{hernandez-garcia_estrich_werten_maarel_labean_wolf_stuart_vries_2017, title={2Precise Coating of a Wide Range of DNA Templates by a Protein Polymer with a DNA Binding Domain}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1936-086X"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.6b05938}, abstractNote={Emerging DNA-based nanotechnologies would benefit from the ability to modulate the properties (e.g., solubility, melting temperature, chemical stability) of diverse DNA templates (single molecules or origami nanostructures) through controlled, self-assembling coatings. We here introduce a DNA coating agent, called C8-BSso7d, which binds to and coats with high specificity and affinity, individual DNA molecules as well as folded origami nanostructures. C8-BSso7d coats and protects without condensing, collapsing or destroying the spatial structure of the underlying DNA template. C8-BSso7d combines the specific nonelectrostatic DNA binding affinity of an archeal-derived DNA binding domain (Sso7d, 7 kDa) with a long hydrophilic random coil polypeptide (C8, 73 kDa), which provides colloidal stability (solubility) through formation of polymer brushes around the DNA templates. C8-BSso7d is produced recombinantly in yeast and has a precise (but engineerable) amino acid sequence of precise length. Using electrophoresis, AFM, and fluorescence microscopy we demonstrate protein coat formation with stiffening of one-dimensional templates (linear dsDNA, supercoiled dsDNA and circular ssDNA), as well as coat formation without any structural distortion or disruption of two-dimensional DNA origami template. Combining the programmability of DNA with the nonperturbing precise coating capability of the engineered protein C8-BSso7d holds promise for future applications such as the creation of DNA-protein hybrid networks, or the efficient transfection of individual DNA nanostructures into cells.}, number={1}, journal={ACS NANO}, author={Hernandez-Garcia, Armando and Estrich, Nicole A. and Werten, Marc W. T. and Maarel, Johan R. C. and LaBean, Thomas H. and Wolf, Frits A. and Stuart, Martien A. Cohen and Vries, Renko}, year={2017}, month={Jan}, pages={144–152} }
 @article{estrich_hernandez-garcia_vries_labean_2017, title={Engineered Diblock Polypeptides Improve DNA and Gold Solubility during Molecular Assembly}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1936-086X"]}, DOI={10.1021/acsnano.6b07291}, abstractNote={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.}, number={1}, journal={ACS NANO}, author={Estrich, Nicole A. and Hernandez-Garcia, Armando and Vries, Renko and LaBean, Thomas H.}, year={2017}, month={Jan}, pages={831–842} }
 @article{estrich_hook_smith_leonard_laughlin_maria_2013, title={Ga-doped ZnO conducting antireflection coatings for crystalline silicon solar cells}, volume={113}, ISSN={["0021-8979"]}, DOI={10.1063/1.4811538}, abstractNote={Transparent, conductive gallium-doped ZnO thin films are evaluated for application as conducting antireflection coatings (ARC) for crystalline silicon solar cells as a means to enhance efficiency by reducing the overall resistivity of the photovoltaic circuit. All Ga-doped ZnO thin films in this study were deposited using pulsed laser deposition. Synthesis conditions were first optimized for maximum electrical resistivity and minimal visible light absorption. The ideal combination contained 1 mol. % Ga doping and exhibited ∼90% transmission, with resistivity in the 1 × 10−3 ohm-cm range. Optimized films were prepared on reference flat silicon wafers with known dopant densities and on commercially obtained solar cell emitters without ARCs. Circular transmission line method measurements were used to measure specific contact resistivity (ρc). For n-type doped solar cell emitters, contact resistivity values of 0.1 mΩ cm2 were observed repeatedly. These values are consistent with, or lower than, contact resistivities associated with conventional silver paste metallization.}, number={23}, journal={JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS}, author={Estrich, N. A. and Hook, D. H. and Smith, A. N. and Leonard, J. T. and Laughlin, B. and Maria, J. -P.}, year={2013}, month={Jun} }