DNA Three-Way Junctions Stabilized by Hydrophobic Interactions for Creation of Functional Nanostructures

The construction of nanomaterials from oligonucleotides by modular assembly invariably requires the use of branched nucleic acid architectures such as three- and four-way junctions (3WJ and 4WJ). We describe the stabilization of DNA 3WJ by using non-nucleotide lipophilic spacers to create a hydrophobic pocket within the junction space. Stabilization of nucleic acid junctions is of particular importance when constructing nanostructures in the ultra-nano size range (<20 nm) with shorter double-stranded regions. UV thermal melting studies show that lipophilic spacers strategically placed within the junction space significantly increased thermal stability. For a 3WJ with eight base pair arms, thermal stability was increased from 30.5 degrees C for the unmodified junction to a maximum stability of 55.0 degrees C. The stability of the junction can be modulated within this temperature range by using the appropriate combinations of spacers.