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Surface-triggered cascade reactions between DNA linkers direct the self-assembly of colloidal crystals of controllable thickness

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dc.contributor.author Jana, Pritam Kumar
dc.date.accessioned 2024-04-23T10:06:18Z
dc.date.available 2024-04-23T10:06:18Z
dc.date.issued 2019
dc.identifier.uri https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/nr/c8nr10217a
dc.identifier.uri http://dspace.bits-pilani.ac.in:8080/jspui/xmlui/handle/123456789/14630
dc.description.abstract Functionalizing colloids with reactive DNA linkers is a versatile way of programming self-assembly. DNA selectivity provides direct control over colloid–colloid interactions allowing the engineering of structures such as complex crystals or gels. However, the self-assembly of localized and finite structures remains an open problem with many potential applications. In this work, we present a system in which functionalized surfaces initiate a cascade reaction between linkers leading to the self-assembly of crystals with a controllable number of layers. Specifically, we consider colloidal particles functionalized by two families of complementary DNA linkers with mobile anchoring points, as found in experiments using emulsions or lipid bilayers. In bulk, intra-particle linkages formed by pairs of complementary linkers prevent the formation of inter-particle bridges and therefore colloid–colloid aggregation. However, colloids interact strongly with the surface given that the latter can destabilize intra-particle linkages. When in direct contact with the surface, colloids are activated, meaning that they feature more unpaired DNA linkers ready to react. Activated colloids can then capture and activate other colloids from the bulk through the formation of inter-particle linkages. Using simulations and theory, validated by existing experiments, we clarify the thermodynamics of the activation and binding process and explain how particle–particle interactions, within the adsorbed phase, weaken as a function of the distance from the surface. The latter observation underlies the possibility of self-assembling finite aggregates with controllable thickness and flat solid–gas interfaces. Our design suggests a new avenue to fabricate heterogeneous and finite structures. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher RSC en_US
dc.subject Chemistry en_US
dc.subject DNA linkers en_US
dc.subject Liquid crystal (LC) en_US
dc.title Surface-triggered cascade reactions between DNA linkers direct the self-assembly of colloidal crystals of controllable thickness en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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