Utilizing the Organizational Power of DNA Scaffolds for New Nanophotonic Applications

Rapid development of DNA technology has provided a feasible route to creating nanoscale materials. DNA acts as a self-assembled nanoscaffold capable of assuming any three-dimensional shape. The ability to integrate dyes and new optical materials such as quantum dots and plasmonic nanoparticles precisely onto these architectures provides new ways to exploit their near- and far-field interactions. A fundamental understanding of these optical processes will help drive development of next-generation photonic nanomaterials. This review is focused on latest progress in DNA-based photonic materials and highlights DNA scaffolds for rapidly assembling and prototyping nanoscale optical devices. Three areas are discussed including intrinsically active DNA structures displaying chiral properties, DNA scaffolds hosting plasmonic nanomaterials, and fluorophore-labeled DNAs that engage in Forster resonance energy transfer and give rise to complex molecular photonic wires. An explanation of what is desired from these optical processes when harnessed sets the tone for what DNA scaffolds are providing toward each focus. Examples from the literature illustrate current progress along with a discussion of challenges to overcome for further improvements. Opportunities to integrate diverse classes of optically active molecules including light-generating enzymes, fluorescent proteins, nanoclusters, and metal-chelates in new structural combinations on DNA scaffolds are also highlighted.