Plasmonic lattices programmed by molecular self-assembly

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Laura Na Liu
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Biomaterials ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2021 to 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 448727036

• Final Report Year: 2024

Final Report Abstract

Research in structural DNA nanotechnology holds profound scientific implications across multiple disciplines. The intricate nanostructures and devices formed through DNA selfassembly serve as foundational elements, offering innovative solutions for micro- and nano-technology applications in life sciences, chemistry, materials science, and beyond. Structural DNA nanotechnology leverages rational designed DNA molecules as assembly units, facilitating molecular self-assembly to construct nanostructures of diverse shapes and sizes. Through programmable design, we can exert meticulous control over DNA molecules at the nanoscale, which we used to assemble micron-scale two-dimensional dynamic DNA-origami arrays (decorated with metal nanoparticles). Through the optimization of the structural integrity of the DNA origami array and the expansion of the DNA nanostructure's size, we produced a micron-scale, low-defect DNA origami array structure. Real-time control over the DNA origami array was achieved by the incorporation of dynamic regulatory elements. Such DNA-origami arrays can be used in a variety of ways, e.g. for the realization of dynamic metasurfaces or for the structural modification of lipid membranes as we demonstrated in the project. We expect the inherent programmability, addressability, and modifiability of the DNA-origami arrays, and more generally the DNA molecules, to gain widespread attention in biomedical research, physical chemistry, and information storage.

Publications

• Transformable Plasmonic Helix with Swinging Gold Nanoparticles. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 62(9).
  Peil, Andreas; Zhan, Pengfei; Duan, Xiaoyang; Krahne, Roman; Garoli, Denis; M., Liz‐Marzán Luis & Liu, Na
  
• Modulating Lipid Membrane Morphology by Dynamic DNA Origami Networks. Nano Letters, 23(14), 6330-6336.
  Yang, Juanjuan; Jahnke, Kevin; Xin, Ling; Jing, Xinxin; Zhan, Pengfei; Peil, Andreas; Griffo, Alessandra; Škugor, Marko; Yang, Donglei; Fan, Sisi; Göpfrich, Kerstin; Yan, Hao; Wang, Pengfei & Liu, Na
  
• Recent Advances in DNA Origami-Engineered Nanomaterials and Applications. Chemical Reviews, 123(7), 3976-4050.
  Zhan, Pengfei; Peil, Andreas; Jiang, Qiao; Wang, Dongfang; Mousavi, Shikufa; Xiong, Qiancheng; Shen, Qi; Shang, Yingxu; Ding, Baoquan; Lin, Chenxiang; Ke, Yonggang & Liu, Na