Programmable 3D Hexagonal Geometry of DNA Tensegrity Triangles

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie (International ed.) Vol. 62; no. 6; pp. e202213451 - n/a
• Main Authors: Lu, Brandon, Woloszyn, Karol, Ohayon, Yoel P., Yang, Bena, Zhang, Cuizheng, Mao, Chengde, Seeman, Nadrian C., Vecchioni, Simon, Sha, Ruojie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.02.2023; Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
• Edition: International ed. in English
• Subjects: Crystal Engineering; Crystallization; Crystallography, X-Ray; Crystals; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA - chemistry; DNA Crystals; DNA Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Self-Assembly; Tensegrity; Tensegrity Triangles; Torsional stress; Triangles; Self-Assembly; DNA Crystals; Crystal Engineering; Tensegrity Triangles; DNA Nanotechnology
• ISSN: 1433-7851; 1521-3773
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202213451

Non‐canonical interactions in DNA remain under‐explored in DNA nanotechnology. Recently, many structures with non‐canonical motifs have been discovered, notably a hexagonal arrangement of typically rhombohedral DNA tensegrity triangles that forms through non‐canonical sticky end interactions. Here, we find a series of mechanisms to program a hexagonal arrangement using: the sticky end sequence; triangle edge torsional stress; and crystallization condition. We showcase cross‐talking between Watson–Crick and non‐canonical sticky ends in which the ratio between the two dictates segregation by crystal forms or combination into composite crystals. Finally, we develop a method for reconfiguring the long‐range geometry of formed crystals from rhombohedral to hexagonal and vice versa. These data demonstrate fine control over non‐canonical motifs and their topological self‐assembly. This will vastly increase the programmability, functionality, and versatility of rationally designed DNA constructs. In DNA nanotechnology, the programmability of non‐canonical interactions is a key area of exploration. Here, we present three methods for programming a non‐canonical hexagonal arrangement of normally rhombohedral DNA tensegrity triangles. We also determine cross‐talking and reconfiguration between hexagonal and rhombohedral DNA crystals. These methods allow for additional versatility and programmability of non‐canonical 3D DNA constructs.