A label-free light-scattering method to resolve assembly and disassembly of DNA nanostructures

Heini Ijäs, Tim Liedl, Veikko Linko*, Gregor Posnjak

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
66 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

DNA self-assembly, and in particular DNA origami, has evolved into a reliable workhorse for organizing organic and inorganic materials with nanometer precision and with exactly controlled stoichiometry. To ensure the intended performance of a given DNA structure, it is beneficial to determine its folding temperature, which in turn yields the best possible assembly of all DNA strands. Here, we show that temperature-controlled sample holders and standard fluorescence spectrometers or dynamic light-scattering setups in a static light-scattering configuration allow for monitoring the assembly progress in real time. With this robust label-free technique, we determine the folding and melting temperatures of a set of different DNA origami structures without the need for more tedious protocols. In addition, we use the method to follow digestion of DNA structures in the presence of DNase I and find strikingly different resistances toward enzymatic degradation depending on the structural design of the DNA object.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4800-4809
Number of pages10
JournalBiophysical Journal
Volume121
Issue number24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Dec 2022
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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