SGER: Strategies for Increasing Stability of Self-Assembling DNA Nanostructures

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Abstract

SGER: Strategies for Increasing Stability of Self-Assembling DNA Nanostructures PI: Thomas H. LaBean DNA nanostructure self-assembly is being developed as a "bottom-up" approach for the fabrication of desired patterns and structures with feature sizes smaller than achievable with conventional lithography techniques. The exploratory research proposed here aims to increase the stability of DNA nanostructures by incorporating isoG/isoC base pairs within and between DNA building blocks, by facilitating ligation between abutting oligonucleotides, and by exploring interstrand chemical crosslinking. The long-term goal of the proposed project is to develop methods for stabilizing DNA and biomolecular nanostructures to increase production yields, improve the halflife, and diversify the physical and chemical conditions under which the structures are useable. In addition, it has been noted, that attachment of nanomaterials, for example metallic nanocrystals or large proteins, to the component DNA strands prior to assembly into lattices can result in assembly difficulties and decreased size of the resulting superstructures. Stabilized lattices may help to overcome these issues. Summary of Proposed Research Tasks: 1). Develop DNA self-assembly materials and techniques for formation of larger addressable arrays and lattices. 2). Incorporate stabilizing strategies, including isoG/isoC and ligation into DNA tile lattice designs. Perform nanoscale structural characterization. 3). Investigate interstrand cross-linking via chemical bridges within DNA building blocks. 4). Test the stabilized nanostructures as templates for metal deposition and scaffolds for immobilization of conducting, semi-conducting, and dielectric nanomaterials. The proposed project fulfills the goals of the CCF Division and of the Emerging Models and Technologies Program by advancing fundamental capabilities in computer science and engineering using advances and insights from areas as diverse as biological systems and molecular engineering. The proposed research innovations enable fundamentally different ways of approaching the fabrication of computing and communications hardware. The intellectual merit of the proposed activities is high because the project brings together cutting-edge research in DNA self-assembly with new synthetic basepair options and chemical cross-linking procedures, and from the fact that the PIs lab is uniquely qualified and poised to execute the proposed study at this time. There is a high likelihood that the research tasks will be completed as described and very high scientific and technological payoffs when they succeed. Broader impacts of the proposed work include the possibility of stabile DNA nanostructures for application not only to computing but also to biomedical uses, as well as the certainty of establishing research training opportunities for the next generation of creative experts in bioinspired design, molecular engineering, self-assembly, and nanostructure templated chemistry.