Engineering Multifunctional DNA Hybrid Nanospheres through Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly

Developing simple and general approaches for the synthesis of nanometer-sized DNA materials with specific morphologies and functionalities is important for various applications. Herein, a novel approach for the synthesis of a new set of DNA-based nanoarchitectures through coordination-driven self-assembly of Fe-II ions and DNA molecules is reported. By fine-tuning the assembly, Fe-DNA nanospheres of precise sizes and controlled compositions can be produced. The hybrid nanoparticles can be tailored for delivery of functional DNA to cells in vitro and in vivo with enhanced biological function. This highlights the potential of metal ion coordination as a tool for directing the assembly of DNA architectures, which conceptualizes a new pathway to expand the repertoire of DNA-based nanomaterials. This methodology will advance both the fields of DNA nanobiotechnology and metal-ligand coordination chemistry.