CeNS Colloquium

Prof. Kurt V. Gothelf
Center for DNA Nanotechnology (CDNA), Dep. of Chemistry and iNANO, Aarhus University

The idea behind our research is to use DNA as a programmable tool for directing the self-assembly of molecules and materials. The unique specificity of DNA interactions, our ability to code specific DNA sequences and to chemically functionalize DNA, makes it the ideal material for controlling self-assembly of components attached to DNA sequences. We have explored some new approaches in this area such as the use of DNA for self-assembly of organic molecules and for electrochemical sensors.
In this presentation it is demonstrated how DNA origami ¹ can be used to assemble organic molecules, study chemical reactions with single molecule resolution ², and position dendrimers and other materials. After initial 2D designs we made a 3D DNA origami box with a lid that could be controlled and the lid motion was monitored by FRET ³.
Recently, we have designed a new type of DNA actuator that has a sliding type of motion. It can be positioned in 11 discrete positions and be shifted between the positions. The motion was followed by FRET and by performing chemical reactions that are only geometrically possible in certain states of the actuator ⁴.

¹ P. K. W. Rothemund. Nature 440, 297 (2006).
² N. V. Voigt, T. Torring, A. Rotaru, M. F. Jacobsen, J. B. Ravnsbaek, R. Subramani, W. Mamdouh, J. Kjems, A. Mokhir, F. Besenbacher, K. V. Gothelf. Nature Nanotech. 5, 200-203 (2010).
³ N. V. Voigt, T. Torring, A. Rotaru, M. F. Jacobsen, J. B. Ravnsbaek, R. Subramani, W. Mamdouh, J. Kjems, A. Mokhir, F. Besenbacher, K. V. Gothelf. Nature Nanotech. 5, 200-203 (2010).
⁴ Z. Zhang, E. M. Olsen, M. Kryger, N. V. Voigt, T. Tørring, E. Gültekin, M. Nielsen, R. M. Zadegan, E. Andersen, M. M. Nielsen, J. Kjems, V. Birkedal, K. V. Gothelf. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 50, 39833987 (2011).