DNA-PAINT Super-Resolution Imaging for Characterization of Nucleic Acid Nanostructures

Numerous nucleic acid nanostructures of unique addressability and programmability have been fabricated for emerging applications. Structural characterization with atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy can provide information on the structural morphology and precision of these nanostructures. However, either structural information of native nucleic acid nanostructures in hydrated environment or the availability of addressable sites on these nanostructures could not be determined. Alternatively, DNA points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (DNA-PAINT) enables direct optical visualization of nucleic acid nanostructures in native forms, as well as evaluation of the accessibility of addressable sites on them. In this Review, the working principle of DNA-PAINT is introduced, followed by the summary on advances of DNA-PAINT characterization of various nucleic acid nanostructures. Finally, the current challenges and prospects for DNA-PAINT characterization are presented. We envision DNA-PAINT to be a potent characterization tool for functional nanomaterials.

Automated summary

DNA-PAINT is a method that allows direct optical visualization of nucleic acid nanostructures and evaluation of the accessibility of addressable sites. This review introduces the working principle of DNA-PAINT, summarizes the recent advances in the characterization of various nucleic acid nanostructures using DNA-PAINT, and discusses the current challenges and prospects.