Modular construction of DNA nanotubes of tunable geometry and single- or double-stranded character

DNA nanotubes can template the growth of nanowires 1 , orient transmembrane proteins for nuclear magnetic resonance determination 2 , and can potentially act as stiff interconnects, tracks for molecular motors and nanoscale drug carriers 3 . Current methods for the construction of DNA nanotubes result in symmetrical and cylindrical assemblies that are entirely double-stranded 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 . Here, we report a modular approach to DNA nanotube synthesis that provides access to geometrically well-defined triangular and square-shaped DNA nanotubes. We also construct the first nanotube assemblies that can exist in double- and single-stranded forms with significantly different stiffness. This approach allows for parameters such as geometry, stiffness, and single- or double-stranded character to be fine-tuned, and could enable the creation of designer nanotubes for a range of applications, including the growth of nanowires of controlled shape, the loading and release of cargo, and the real-time modulation of stiffness and persistence length within DNA interconnects. DNA nanotubes can potentially act as stiff interconnects, tracks for molecular motors and nanoscale drug carriers. Researchers have now reported a modular approach to DNA nanotube synthesis that can create geometrically well-defined triangular and square tubes. The method allows parameters such as geometry, stiffness and single- or double-stranded character to be tuned, and could provide access to designer nanotubes for a range of applications.