Tetraphenylethylene-DNA conjugates: influence of sticky ends and DNA sequence length on the supramolecular assembly of AIE-active vesicles

The supramolecular assembly of DNA conjugates, functionalized with tetraphenylethylene (TPE) sticky ends, into vesicular structures is described. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active TPE units allow monitoring the assembly process by fluorescence spectroscopy. The number of TPE modifications in the overhangs of the conjugates influences the supramolecular assembly behavior. A minimum of two TPE residues on each end are required to ensure a well-defined assembly process. The design of the presented DNA-based nanostructures offers tailored functionalization with applications in DNA nanotechnology.

Automated summary

The supramolecular assembly of DNA conjugates with tetraphenylethylene (TPE) sticky ends into vesicular structures is studied in this research. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active TPE units are used to monitor the assembly process using fluorescence spectroscopy. The number of TPE modifications on the conjugates' overhangs influences the supramolecular assembly behavior, with a minimum of two TPE residues required for a well-defined assembly process. The designed DNA-based nanostructures offer customized functionalization for applications in DNA nanotechnology.