DNA multilayer films on planar and colloidal supports: Sequential assembly of like-charged polyelectrolytes

Multilayer films comprising solely negatively charged polyelectrolytes were sequentially assembled based on DNA hybridization. Films prepared from alternating layers of two-block homopolymeric nucleotides (polyA(20)G(20)/polyT(20)C(20)) grew linearly with increasing layer number, as verified by quartz crystal microgravimetry, UV-vis spectrophotometry and optical microscopy. Urea treatment of the films induced morphological changes, while exposure to low ionic strength solutions resulted in film disassembly. DNA multilayer films were also formed on silica particles, and DNA hollow capsules were obtained following dissolution of the template core.