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

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 and Hanadi F. Sleiman ()
Additional contact information
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
Jianing Li: Purdue University
Alba Guarné: McGill University
Hanadi F. Sleiman: McGill University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48722-2

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