Colloids with valence and specific directional bonding

Yufeng Wang, Yu Wang, Dana R. Breed, Vinothan N. Manoharan, Lang Feng, Andrew D. Hollingsworth, Marcus Weck () and David J. Pine ()
Additional contact information
Yufeng Wang: New York University
Yu Wang: New York University
Dana R. Breed: The Dow Chemical Company, 2301 North Brazosport Boulevard
Vinothan N. Manoharan: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Lang Feng: New York University
Andrew D. Hollingsworth: New York University
Marcus Weck: New York University
David J. Pine: New York University

Nature, 2012, vol. 491, issue 7422, 51-55

Abstract: Abstract The ability to design and assemble three-dimensional structures from colloidal particles is limited by the absence of specific directional bonds. As a result, complex or low-coordination structures, common in atomic and molecular systems, are rare in the colloidal domain. Here we demonstrate a general method for creating the colloidal analogues of atoms with valence: colloidal particles with chemically distinct surface patches that imitate hybridized atomic orbitals, including sp, sp2, sp3, sp3d, sp3d2 and sp3d3. Functionalized with DNA with single-stranded sticky ends, patches on different particles can form highly directional bonds through programmable, specific and reversible DNA hybridization. These features allow the particles to self-assemble into ‘colloidal molecules’ with triangular, tetrahedral and other bonding symmetries, and should also give access to a rich variety of new microstructured colloidal materials.

Date: 2012
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DOI: 10.1038/nature11564

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