Modelling the folding of DNA origami

DNA-based nanostructures built from a long single-stranded DNA scaffold, known as DNA origamis, are at the basis of many applications. Despite their widespread development, many basic questions concerning the mechanisms of formation of DNA origamis have not yet been addressed. For instance, the robustness of different designs against factors such as the internal topology, or the influence of the staple pattern, are handled empirically. We have developed a model for the folding and melting processes of DNA origamis that is able to reproduce accurately several thermodynamic quantities measurable from UV absorption experiments. This model incorporates not only the origami sequence but also its topology. We show that cooperativity is key to quantitatively understand the folding process. The model can also be used to design a new distribution of crossovers that increases the robustness of the DNA template, a necessary step for technological development. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2012