Researchers have successfully created DNA moiré superlattices – periodic structures assembled from DNA origami – demonstrating control over their periodicity and symmetry through precise design of building blocks and the use of ‘seed’ components to direct assembly. The resulting structures, characterised using techniques including atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering, exhibit long-range order and present potential applications in metamaterials, nanophotonics, and as nanoscale templates for fabricating other materials. This work advances DNA nanotechnology by showcasing self-assembly as a means to create complex functional materials at the nanoscale.
DNA Origami Self-Assembly and Moiré Pattern Formation Researchers designed DNA origami building blocks, specifically square sublattices and seeds, which self-assemble into moiré superlattices through DNA base-pairing interactions. The utilisation of these seeds is important as they function as templates, directing the initial nucleation and growth of the assembled superlattices. By carefully controlling the size and arrangement of these DNA origami components, the researchers successfully created periodic, long-range order, resulting in the formation of moiré patterns.
The periodicity of the moiré pattern can be tuned by adjusting the size difference between the DNA origami components, demonstrating a degree of control over the final structure’s properties. Different lattice symmetries can be achieved through variations in building block design. The research demonstrates that the assembled superlattices exhibit long-range order, extending over large areas, and that seeds play a crucial role in directing the nucleation and growth of these structures.
These moiré superlattices have potential applications in several fields, including the creation of metamaterials with unique optical and mechanical properties, the design of nanophotonic devices with tailored light-matter interactions, and the provision of nanoscale templates for the fabrication of other nanomaterials. Furthermore, the structures could contribute to the development of biomimetic materials inspired by natural structures.
Characterisation and Control of Superlattice Structures Characterisation of the assembled structures involved the use of several advanced techniques, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to visualise structure and periodicity, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to measure size distribution, and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to analyse periodicity and symmetry of the moiré patterns. Molecular Dynamics Simulations were also employed to understand the underlying assembly mechanisms and to optimise the design of the DNA origami components.
These investigations revealed that the period of the moiré pattern is tunable by adjusting the size difference between the DNA origami components, and that different lattice symmetries can be achieved through variations in building block design. The research demonstrates that the assembled superlattices exhibit long-range order, extending over large areas, and that seeds play a crucial role in directing the nucleation and growth of these structures.
These moiré superlattices have potential applications in several fields, including the creation of metamaterials with unique optical and mechanical properties, the design of nanophotonic devices with tailored light-matter interactions, and the provision of nanoscale templates for the fabrication of other nanomaterials. Furthermore, the structures could contribute to the development of biomimetic materials inspired by natural structures.
Potential Applications and Significance of DNA Nanotechnology This research demonstrates the potential of DNA origami as a versatile platform for creating complex, periodic structures with tunable properties, suggesting possibilities for DNA nanotechnology applications. These moiré superlattices could have applications in the creation of metamaterials with unique optical and mechanical properties, enabling the design of materials with tailored functionalities.
Furthermore, the research indicates potential for these structures in nanophotonics, specifically in the design of photonic devices with tailored light-matter interactions, and as nanoscale templates for the fabrication of other nanomaterials. The structures also present opportunities for the development of biomimetic materials, inspired by the complex arrangements found in natural systems.
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