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. The supramolecular assembly of tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-DNA conjugates is presented. The length of the TPE sticky ends exerts a pronounced effect on the formation of aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active vesicles.