Friday, 15 May, 2015

One-Step Formation of “Chain-Armor”-Stabilized DNA Nanostructures

V. Cassinelli, B. Oberleitner, J. Sobotta, P. Nickels, G. Grossi, S. Kempter, T. Frischmuth, T. Liedl and A. Manetto -
Angewandte Chemie International Edition DOI: 10.1002/anie.201500561 (2015)

DNA-based self-assembled nanostructures are widely used to position organic and inorganic objects with nanoscale precision. A particular promising application of DNA structures is their usage as programmable carrier systems for targeted drug delivery. To provide DNA-based templates that are robust against degradation at elevated temperatures, low ion concentrations, adverse pH conditions, and DNases, we built 6-helix DNA tile tubes consisting of 24 oligonucleotides carrying alkyne groups on their 3′-ends and azides on their 5′-ends. By a mild click reaction, the two ends of selected oligonucleotides were covalently connected to form rings and interlocked DNA single strands, so-called DNA catenanes. Strikingly, the structures stayed topologically intact in pure water and even after precipitation from EtOH. The structures even withstood a temperature of 95 °C when all of the 24 strands were chemically interlocked.

Article on journal`s website