DNA-surfactant complexes: self-assembly properties and applications

DNA-Functionalized Supramolecular Polymers: Dynamic Multicomponent Assemblies with Emergent Properties

Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in hybrid molecular systems in which the programmability of DNA hybridization is used to introduce enhanced molecular control in synthetic systems. The first examples of DNA-functionalized supramolecular polymers have been reported only recently, but have already revealed structural and functional properties that are not easily obtained in either synthetic supramolecular polymers or DNA-only based systems. In this Topical Review, we provide an overview of the various forms of additional control offered by DNA hybridization for different types of supramolecular polymers and discuss how orthogonal supramolecular interactions in these hybrid systems can give rise to emergent structural and functional properties.

Preparation of membrane-mimicking lamellar structures by molecular confinement of hybrid nanocomposites

Hybrid nanocomposites are multiphase systems with a wide range of applications. Some nanocomposites are water insoluble thereby preventing several applications. Thus, we prepared telechelic PEO with glucose molecules to form water-soluble lamellar nanostructures by co-assembly with metallacarborane. The lamellas formed by PEO/metallacarborane decorated by glucose molecules on the surface can serve as delivery agents for boron clusters and benzoxaboroles.

The role of the side chain in the conformational and self-assembly patterns of C2-symmetric Val and Phe pseudopeptidic derivatives

Side chain as the main conformational and self-assembly structural factor for C₂-pseudopeptides.

Fluorescent hybrid nanospheres induced by single-stranded DNA and magnetic carbon quantum dots

Assembled DNA nanospheres were preparedviaself-assembly with magnetic CQDGd as the building blocks and negatively charged ssDNA as the assembly units.

Ionic-surfactants-based thermotropic liquid crystals

Ionic surfactants can be combined with various functional groups through electrostatic interaction, resulting in a series of thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs).

Thermoresponsive luminescence properties of polyfluorinated bistolane-type light-emitting liquid crystals

We developed and characterized four polyfluorinated bistolane derivatives. These compounds, which possess either two alkoxy substituents or an alkoxy group and a bromine atom in their two molecular terminals, were synthesized from readily available 4-alkoxy-1-ethynylbenzene with a facile three-step procedure. Their thermodynamic and photophysical properties were evaluated in detail, and they were found to display both liquid-crystalline (LC) and photoluminescence properties. Remarkably, the photoluminescence behaviors dramatically changed during the thermal phase transition between the crystal and LC phases. Thus, these polyfluorinated bistolanes may be promising candidates for thermoresponsive luminous molecules.

Bio-surface engineering with DNA scaffolds for theranostic applications

Biosensor design is important to bioanalysis yet challenged by the restricted target accessibility at the biomolecule-surface (bio-surface). The last two decades have witnessed the appearance of various “art-like” DNA nanostructures in one, two, or three dimensions, and DNA nanostructures have attracted tremendous attention for applications in diagnosis and therapy due to their unique properties (e.g., mechanical flexibility, programmable control over their shape and size, easy and high-yield preparation, precise spatial addressability and biocompatibility). DNA nanotechnology is capable of providing an effective approach to control the surface functionality, thereby increasing the molecular recognition ability at the biosurface. Herein, we present a critical review of recent progress in the development of DNA nanostructures in one, two and three dimensions and highlight their biological applications including diagnostics and therapeutics. We hope that this review provides a guideline for bio-surface engineering with DNA nanostructures.

Dual-Input Regulation and Positional Control in Hybrid Oligonucleotide/Discotic Supramolecular Wires

The combination of oligonucleotides and synthetic supramolecular systems allows for novel and long‐needed modes of regulation of the self‐assembly of both molecular elements. Discotic molecules were conjugated with short oligonucleotides and their assembly into responsive supramolecular wires studied. The self‐assembly of the discotic molecules provides additional stability for DNA‐duplex formation owing to a cooperative effect. The appended oligonucleotides allow for positional control of the discotic elements within the supramolecular wire. The programmed assembly of these hybrid architectures can be modulated through the DNA, for example, by changing the number of base pairs or salt concentration, and through the discotic platform by the addition of discotic elements without oligonucleotide handles. These hybrid supramolecular‐DNA structures allow for advanced levels of control over 1D dynamic platforms with responsive regulatory elements at the interface with biological systems.