DNA-grafted supramolecular polymers: self-assembly, dynamics and potential applications

The unique self-recognition properties of oligonucleotides laid the foundation of modern DNA nanotechnology. Over the last two decades, man-made DNA assemblies led to the development of numerous biocompatible functional materials, including drug carriers, nanorobots, and scaffolding platforms. A standard toolbox of building blocks used by chemists in the field is largely limited to four units – A, G, C, T. To further develop the functional potential of synthetic DNA systems, the use of DNA-chromophore conjugates emerges as an exciting approach. Following our previous findings, we demonstrate herein the pathway complexity in a temperature-induced self-assembly of the DNA-pyrene oligomers. Thermodynamically favoured DNA-grafted supramolecular polymers assemble into metastable networks through hybridization between DNA sticky ends followed by the subsequent re-assembly into individual DNA-grafted polymers through monomer exchange. Such systems become increasingly important for the creation of dynamic and stimuli-responsible materials targeting various applications such as delivery and precise scaffolding.