Modular Access to Structurally Switchable 3D Discrete DNA Assemblies

摘要

DNA has recently emerged as a promising construction material for the creation of discrete and periodic two-dimensional assemblies. An immediate challenge, however, is the use of this molecule to generate three-dimensional structures. DNA polyhedra present tremendous potential for drug encapsulation and release, regulation of the folding and activity of encapsulated proteins, selective encaging of nanomaterials, and assembly of 3D networks for catalysis and biomolecule crystallization. Only five reports have appeared on this subject over the past fifteen years, each presenting the synthesis of a single assembly, illustrating the need for a systematic and straightforward method to access these materials.