LU14111 - We have discovered a new type of interaction between micro/nanoscale particles that results from the entanglement of DNA strands attached to their surfaces. Self-complementary DNA single strands on a particle can be induced to form loops. When loops are formed on adjacent particles, they can form mechanical links similar to the ones macroscopic hook-and-loop materials like Velcro rely on. The interactions can be created and broken by a combination of forces, temperature, light sensitive crosslinking and enzymatic unwinding of the topological links. This novel topological interaction may lead to new materials and phenomena such as particles strung on nano-necklaces.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Linking Nanoparticles with DNA "Velcro"
LU14111 - We have discovered a new type of interaction between micro/nanoscale particles that results from the entanglement of DNA strands attached to their surfaces. Self-complementary DNA single strands on a particle can be induced to form loops. When loops are formed on adjacent particles, they can form mechanical links similar to the ones macroscopic hook-and-loop materials like Velcro rely on. The interactions can be created and broken by a combination of forces, temperature, light sensitive crosslinking and enzymatic unwinding of the topological links. This novel topological interaction may lead to new materials and phenomena such as particles strung on nano-necklaces.
