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Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Malouf, Layla 
Tanase, Diana A 
Di Michele, Lorenzo  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1458-9747

Abstract

Synthetic droplets and condensates are becoming increasingly common constituents of advanced biomimetic systems and synthetic cells, where they can be used to establish compartmentalization and sustain life-like responses. Synthetic DNA nanostructures have demonstrated significant potential as condensate-forming building blocks owing to their programmable shape, chemical functionalization, and self-assembly behavior. We have recently demonstrated that amphiphilic DNA "nanostars", obtained by labeling DNA junctions with hydrophobic moieties, constitute a particularly robust and versatile solution. The resulting amphiphilic DNA condensates can be programmed to display complex, multi-compartment internal architectures, structurally respond to various external stimuli, synthesize macromolecules, capture and release payloads, undergo morphological transformations, and interact with live cells. Here, we demonstrate protocols for preparing amphiphilic DNA condensates starting from constituent DNA oligonucleotides. We will address (i) single-component systems forming uniform condensates, (ii) two-component systems forming core-shell condensates, and (iii) systems in which the condensates are modified to support in vitro transcription of RNA nanostructures.

Description

Keywords

DNA, Nanostructures, Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions, Artificial Cells, Biomolecular Condensates

Journal Title

J Vis Exp

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1940-087X
1940-087X

Volume Title

Publisher

MyJove Corporation
Sponsorship
ERC starting grant ERC-STG No 851667 NANOCELL