SiDNAno: Silica-DNA Hybrid Nanostructures

Purpose and goal:

SiDNAno aims to develop a method to fabricate a new type of silica-DNA hybrid nanostructures, which have a silica reinforced complex geometric shape inherited from the DNA origami template, and at the same time could maintain their capability to assemble into dynamic nanodevices and higher-order constructs. During the four months the project was carried out, the binding of RecA protein and DNA origami and the silicification of DNA nanostructures was investigated.

Expected results and effects:

The expected result of SiDNAno project is to successfully develop an original approach in which DNA-binding proteins are used as resist in a sol-gel silicification process for the fabrication of novel silica-DNA hybrid nanostructures. It could greatly enhance the stability and rigidity of the DNA origami nanostructures while still retaining their self-assembling properties. As an outcome, important first-hand data has been generated which could pave the way for the success of later research.

Approach and implementation:

The project contains four work packages (WPs): 1. formation of stable nucleoprotein filaments on DNA origami; 2. silicification of the protein protected DNA origami; 3. oligomeric assembly of hybrid nanostructures; and 4. crystallization of the hybrid nanostructures. The first two WPs focus on the development of the method and understanding the mechanism.

The latter two WPs will demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of the developed method by applying it in fabrication of nanostructures with potential applications.