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Heat-activated growth of metastable and length-defined DNA fibers expands traditional polymer assembly

Author

Listed:
  • Michael D. Dore

    (McGill University)

  • Muhammad Ghufran Rafique

    (McGill University)

  • Tianxiao Peter Yang

    (McGill University)

  • Marlo Zorman

    (University of Vermont)

  • Casey M. Platnich

    (McGill University)

  • Pengfei Xu

    (McGill University)

  • Tuan Trinh

    (McGill University)

  • Felix J. Rizzuto

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Gonzalo Cosa

    (McGill University
    McGill University)

  • Jianing Li

    (Purdue University)

  • Alba Guarné

    (McGill University
    McGill University)

  • Hanadi F. Sleiman

    (McGill University
    McGill University)

Abstract

Biopolymers such as nucleic acids and proteins exhibit dynamic backbone folding, wherein site-specific intramolecular interactions determine overall structure. Proteins then hierarchically assemble into supramolecular polymers such as microtubules, that are robust yet dynamic, constantly growing or shortening to adjust to cellular needs. The combination of dynamic, energy-driven folding and growth with structural stiffness and length control is difficult to achieve in synthetic polymer self-assembly. Here we show that highly charged, monodisperse DNA-oligomers assemble via seeded growth into length-controlled supramolecular fibers during heating; when the temperature is lowered, these metastable fibers slowly disassemble. Furthermore, the specific molecular structures of oligomers that promote fiber formation contradict the typical theory of block copolymer self-assembly. Efficient curling and packing of the oligomers – or ‘curlamers’ – determine morphology, rather than hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratio. Addition of a small molecule stabilises the DNA fibers, enabling temporal control of polymer lifetime and underscoring their potential use in nucleic-acid delivery, stimuli-responsive biomaterials, and soft robotics.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael D. Dore & Muhammad Ghufran Rafique & Tianxiao Peter Yang & Marlo Zorman & Casey M. Platnich & Pengfei Xu & Tuan Trinh & Felix J. Rizzuto & Gonzalo Cosa & Jianing Li & Alba Guarné & Hanadi F. S, 2024. "Heat-activated growth of metastable and length-defined DNA fibers expands traditional polymer assembly," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48722-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48722-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaoyu Li & Piotr J. Wolanin & Liam R. MacFarlane & Robert L. Harniman & Jieshu Qian & Oliver E. C. Gould & Thomas G. Dane & John Rudin & Martin J. Cryan & Thomas Schmaltz & Holger Frauenrath & Mitche, 2017. "Uniform electroactive fibre-like micelle nanowires for organic electronics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, August.
    2. Damien Woods & David Doty & Cameron Myhrvold & Joy Hui & Felix Zhou & Peng Yin & Erik Winfree, 2019. "Diverse and robust molecular algorithms using reprogrammable DNA self-assembly," Nature, Nature, vol. 567(7748), pages 366-372, March.
    3. Bowen Shen & Youliang Zhu & Yongju Kim & Xiaobin Zhou & Haonan Sun & Zhongyuan Lu & Myongsoo Lee, 2019. "Autonomous helical propagation of active toroids with mechanical action," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
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