Modular synthesis of supramolecular DNA amphiphiles through host-guest interactions and their self-assembly into DNA-decorated nanovesiclesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and figures referenced throughout the text. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr08370f

DNA nanostructures have found potential applications in various fields including nanotechnology, materials science and nanomedicine, hence the design and synthesis of DNA nanostructures is extremely important. Self-assembly of DNA amphiphiles provides an efficient strategy for the crafting of soft DNA nanostructures. However, the synthesis of DNA amphiphiles is always challenging. Herein, we show a non-covalent approach based on the host-guest interaction between β-CD and adamantane for the synthesis of DNA amphiphiles, and report their amphiphilicity-driven self-assembly into DNA decorated vesicles. The DNA-directed surface addressability of the vesicles is demonstrated through their surface decoration with Au-NPs through DNA hybridization. Our results suggest that the non-covalent approach represents a simple, efficient and universal method for the synthesis of DNA amphiphiles, and provides an excellent strategy for the creation of smart DNA nanostructures. Non-covalent synthesis of DNA amphiphiles through host-guest interaction and their amphiphilicity-driven self-assembly into vesicles are reported.