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US009751758B2

a2 United States Patent (10) Patent No: US 9,751,758 B2
Gang et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep. 5, 2017

(54) RATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NANOPARTICLE (52) US. CL
CPC

SUPERLATTICES WITH DESIGNED .. B82B 3/00 (2013.01), C12Q 1/68

LATTICE SYMMETRIES (2013.01): B82Y 30/00 (2013.01); B82¥ 40/00
(2013.01);
(71) Applicant: BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE (Continued)
ASSOCIATES, LLC, Upton, NY (US) (58) Field of Classification Search
None
(72) Inventors: Oleg Gang, New York, NY (US); Fang See application file for complete search history.
Lu, Miller Place, NY (US); Miho
Tagawa, Nagoya (JP) (56) References Cited
(73) Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC, U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Upton, NY (US.
Pron: US) 5,637,508 A 6/1997 Kidwell et al.

2005/0130167 Al 6/2005. Bao et al.

(*) Notice: — Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this (Continued)

patent is extended or adjusted under 35
US.C. 154(b) by 73 days.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No. 14/373,161 International Search Report of International Application PCT/

(22) PCT Filed: Jan. 18, 2013 US2013/022133—Date mailed: Mar. 15, 2013, 4 pages.
1. 1d,

(Continued)
(86) PCT No.: PCT/US2013/022133 . .
Primary Examiner — Alexandre Ferre
§ 371 (1), (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Dorene M. Price; Lars
(2) Date: Jul. 18, 2014 O. Husebo
(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2013/109880 (57) ABSTRACT
PCT Pub. Date: Jul. 25, 2013 A method for lattice design via multivalent linkers (LDML)
is disclosed that introduces a rationally designed symmetry
(65) Prior Publication Data of connections between particles in order to achieve control
US 2015/0017444 Al Jan. 15, 2015 over the morphology of their assembly. The method affords

the inclusion of different programmable interactions within

one linker that allow an assembly of different types of

Related U.S. Application Data particles. The designed symmetry of connections is prefer-

_ . ably provided utilizing DNA encoding. The linkers may

(60) Provisional application No. 61/587,786, filed on Jan. include fabricated “patchy” particles, DNA scaffold con-
18, 2012. structs and Y-shaped DNA linkers, anisotropic particles,
which are preferably functionalized with DNA, multimeric

(51) Int. Cl. 4 A Bi
COTE 2104 (2006.01) Proeln DNA complexes, and particles with finite numbers
B82B 3/00 (2006.01) .

(Continued) 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets

Library of Symmetric Linkers

DNA constructs

ie Anisotropic particles
ee

© Multimeric protein-

DNA constructs

- “Patchy” particles

Page 2

US 9,751,758 B2
Page 2

(31) Int. Ch
CRE 1/68 (2006.01)
B82Y 30/00 (2011.01)
BS2¥ 40/00 (2011.01)
(52) US. Ch
CPC vases YLOS 977/84 (2013.01); YIOT 428/2982

(2015.01)

(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

2009/0258355 Al 10/2009 Maye et al.
2009/0275465 Al* 11/2009 Gang .- C12Q 6816

502/159

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913-917, (2010).

Page 3

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* cited by examiner

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1
RATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NANOPARTICLE
SUPERLATTICES WITH DESIGNED
LATTICE SYMMETRIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED
APPLICATION

This application is a U.S. national stage application and
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International
Application No. PCT/US2013/022133 filed on Jan. 18,
2013, which claims the benefit under 35 USC. 119(e) of US.
Provisional Application No. 61/587,786 filed on Jan. 18,
2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

This invention was made with Government support under
contract number DE-AC02-98CH10886, awarded by the
US. Department of Energy. The Government has certain
rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of
DNA-guided particle assembly. More particularly, the pres-
ent invention relates to controlling the morphology of super-
lattice assembly with rationally designed lattice symmetries
of connections between particles.

BACKGROUND

The ability to assemble nano-objects in rationally
designed 3D superlattices can open tremendous opportuni-
ties for the fabrication of new classes of materials. However,
such lattices are often difficult to predict and control and are
dependent on a large number of factors. (Macfarlane R. J. et
al. Science 334, 204-208, 2011, incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety). For instance, for ionic solids,
Pauling developed rules that explain the relative stabilities
of different lattices of simple salts, but these rules do not
allow for structure control because parameters such as size
and charge of atoms (and small molecules) are not tunable
(L. Pauling, The Nature of the Chemical Bond, Cornell Univ.
Press, Ithaca, N.Y., ed. 3, 1960). In fact, changing an atom’s
size or charge inherently changes the electronic properties
that affect relative lattice stability.

In contrast, nanoparticle-based superlattice materials
should allow for more control over the types of crystal lattice
that they adopt, given that one can tune multiple variables,
such as nanoparticle size or the presence of different organic
molecule layers on the nanoparticle surface, to control
superlattice stability (C. A. Mirkin, et al. Nature 382, 607,
1996, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
However, predictable architectural control still remains an
elusive goal, regardless of the type of particle interconnect
strategy chosen (see FIG. 1): electrostatic forces, covalent
and noncovalent molecular interactions, and biologically
driven assembly strategies (Nykypanchuk D, et al. Nature
451(7178), 549-52, 2008, incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety).

A conceptually simple idea for overcoming this problem.
is the use of “encodable” interactions between building
blocks. This can in theory be directly implemented using
strategies based on DNA programmability to control the
placement of nanoparticles in one and two dimensions as
shown in FIG. 2. For example, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/

S

30

40

45

50

2

0275465 to Gang et al. (incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety) discloses the formation of three-dimensional
crystalline assemblies of gold nanoparticles mediated by
interactions between complementary DNA molecules
attached to the nanoparticles’ surface. The structure has the
body-centered-cubic lattice structure, which is structurally
open, with particles occupying only approximately 4% of
the unit cell volume. Building on this development, U.S. Pat.
Pub. No. 2009/0258355 to Maye et al. (incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety) discloses a method of making
three-dimensional crystalline assemblies or nanoclusters
using anchoring biomolecules. These systems, however,
entropically favor random geometry of connections during
structure formation (see FIG. 3). Thus, it becomes difficult,
if not impossible, to direct a desired lattice formation.

Recently much attention was focused on theoretical stud-
ies of patchy particles (Zhang et al. Langmuir 21(25) 11547-
11551, 2005; incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)
and shape directed assembly (Macfarlane, R. J. et al.
Chemphyschem 11(15), 3215-3217, 2010; incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety). These studies focused on
the number and location of sites on spherical particles,
which provide attractive interactions that determine many
phenomena related to the complex structure formation in
liquids, solids and gels (Starr, F. W. et al. Journal of
Physics-Condensed Matter, 2006. 18(26): p. L347-L353;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Interest-
ingly, the simple early models of colloidal patchy particles
were found to correlate well with findings for atomic and
molecular systems. For example, in a seminal work by
Kolafa and Nezdeda, a water structure was captured by a
model with tetrahedral connections. (Kolafa, J. and I. Nez-
beda, Molecular Physics, 1987. 61(1): p. 161-175; incorpo-
rated herein by reference in its entirety), Formation of
networks in silica was also explained using this approach by
assuming low coordination and strong bond associations.
Moreover, even the dynamics were successfully modeled,
including the diffusion process, and interplay between a
packing driven arrest, glass transition, bond-driven arrest,
and gelation. A demonstrated high degree of similarity
between basic models, described by coarse modeling and
experimental observation in complex molecular systems, is
indicative for an important role that directionality and geom-
etry of connection plays in structure determination.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a solution,
which overcomes the above-described inadequacies and
shortcomings in the design and synthesis of the controlled
crystal nanoparticle superlattices.

SUMMARY

Recognizing the challenges of fully exploiting nanopar-
ticle superlattices, in one embodiment, a method for lattice
design via multivalent linkers (LDML) is disclosed that
introduces a rationally designed symmetry of connections
between particles in order to achieve control over the
morphology of their assembly. Preferably, the method
affords the inclusion of different programmable interactions
within one particle or one linker, called “colored” interac-
tions, that allows an assembly of different types of particles.
In one exemplary embodiment, the designed symmetry of
connections is provided utilizing DNA encoding.

The linkers are not particularly limited as long as they
provide symmetric interactions and have multiple attach-
ment points that, in turn, determine the phase of the 2D or
3D structures. For example, the linkers include, but not
limited to, fabricated “patchy” particles, DNA scaffold con-

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US 9,751,758 B2

3

structs and Y-shaped DNA linkers, anisotropic particles,
which are preferably functionalized with DNA, multimeric
protein-DNA complexes (e.g., knob adenovirus and strepta-
vidin tetramer), and particles with finite numbers (from 1 to
8) of DNA linkers. Such linkers can possess a unique
symmetry that results in a desired conformation of the
formed lattice and is analogous to atomic bonds. For
instance, the linkers can be rods, disks, triangular prisms,
multipods, cubes, octahedra, tetrahedra, hexahedra, dodeca-
hedra, and nanoshells. By introducing linkers with a specific
architecture of connecting sites the correspondence between
the linker symmetry and packing of particles into super-
structures is established during the self-assembly process.
Thus, the LDML method allows for a rational fabrication of
2D and/or 3D structures via establishing a local connection
of particles with specifically designed linkers. The success-
ful realization of the LDML method in using nanoscale
multivalent linkers with well-defined symmetry allows for
rational design fabrication of superlattices from any type of
particles, including spherical and quasi-spherical.

The objectives, features and advantages of the disclosed
invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description, which is to be read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention will be
pointed out in the claims. The following drawings, taken in
conjunction with the subsequent description, are presented
to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the
invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular
applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows three models of homogeneous/heteroge-
neous lattice assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates hybridization of like particles using
DNA.

FIG. 3 illustrates lattice formation based on entropically
favorable link formation between the nanoparticles.

FIG. 4A shows four exemplary models of symmetric
linkers that can be used for assembly of 2D and 3D struc-
tures whose phase is determined by the symmetry of the
linker.

FIG. 4B illustrates the assembly of clusters and superla-
ttice from spherical particle induced by the symmetry of a
linker (cube). The binding between linker and spherical
particle is encoded by DNA recognition.

FIG. 5A shows the cube-induced assembly of spheres into
a simple cubic structure (or NaCl-type structure). The first
two images show the scanning electron microscope (SEM)

images of the assembly of gold (Au) spheres (38 nm) around

the gold (Au) cubic structure (42 nm). The third image is an
idealized visualization of the formed simple cubic lattice,
where spheres are organized by cubic linkers. The fourth
image is the SEM of the superlattice at a resolution of 50 nm.
The last image shows an atomic analog structure.

FIG. 5B shows octahedra-induced assembly of spheres
and octahedral into a cubic perovskite-type structure (or
SrTiO,-type structure). The first two images show the SEM.
images of the assembly of gold (Au) spheres around the gold
(Au) octahedral particle(s). The third image is an idealized
visualization of the formed cubic perovskite-type lattice,
where spheres are organized by an octahedral linkers. The
fourth image is the SEM of the superlattice at a resolution of
50 nm. The last image shows an atomic analog structure.

FIG. 6A shows the DNA-driven assembly of one gold
spherical particle with one gold cube linker. The scanning
electron microscope (SEM) image shows the contrasting

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organization of the cubic particles linkers (left) versus the
spherical isotropic particles (right) at a resolution of 50 nm.

FIG. 6B-6C show the SEM image of the DNA-driven
assembly of the structures of FIG. 6A (gold spherical
particles together with gold cube linkers) at a resolution of
1 um (B) and 50 nm (C).

FIG. 6D shows the structures of FIG. 6C tilted.

FIG. 6E is a plot obtained by small angle x-ray scattering,
(SAXS) of the assembly in FIGS. 6B-6D. The plot reveals
the assembly lines and indexing with simple cubic model.

FIG. 6F is an idealized visualization of the formed simple
cubic lattice of NaCl-type, where spheres are organized by
cube linkers.

FIG. 7A shows the DNA-driven assembly of one gold
spherical particle with one gold octahedral linker. The
scanning electron microscope (SEM) image shows the con-
trasting organization of the octahedra (linkers) versus the
spherical isotropic particles.

FIG. 7B-7D show the SEM image of the DNA-driven
assembly of the structures of FIG. 7A (gold spherical
particles together with gold octahedral linkers) at a resolu-
tion of 200 nm (B), 50 nm (C), and 20 nm tilted (D).

FIG. 7E is a plot obtained by SAXS of the assembly in
FIGS. 7B-7D. The plot reveals the assembly lines and
indexing with cubic perovskite model.

FIG. 7F is an idealized visualization of the formed lattice
(perovskite-type) of spheres organized by octahedra linkers.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of the DNA tetrahedron linker
formed by four DNA strands (T1-T4). The insert shows a 3D
model of the DNA tetrahedron.

FIG. 8B is a plot of the measured structure factor S(q)
from SAXS (dots) in comparison to a modeled diamond
lattice (solid line).

FIG. 8C shows a DNA functionalized nanoparticle that is
attached at each DNA strand (T1-T4).

FIG. 8D is a model of the tetrahedron-driven assembly of
spherical particles that form a diamond type structure from
spheres and tetrahedron DNA linkers.

FIG. 9A is an SEM image of 42 nm cube-sphere assem-
blies for 44 nm spheres, the lower image for 27 nm spheres.
A selection of cubes have been coded according to their
orientation (inset legend describes code).

FIG. 9B is a plot showing order correlation analysis of the
cube-sphere binary assembly in FIG. 9A (§ is 164 nm).

FIG. 10 is a scheme of a cube-sphere pair as a model for
calculation of attraction potential energy. The left image is
a side-view and the right one is a top-view.

FIG. 11 shows an image of 6% polyacrylamide non-
denaturing gel electrophoresis for twelve samples: the self-
assembled DNA tetrahedra with different number of arms,
under different buffer conditions and with or without heat
treatment after assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION,

A lattice design via multivalent linkers (LDML) method
introduces a rationally designed symmetry of connections
between particles in order to achieve control over the
morphology of their assembly. Using nanoscale multivalent
linkers with specific symmetry can afford rational design of
more complex, multicomponent lattices. For instance, the
linkers can be rods, disks, triangular prisms, multipods,
cubes, octahedra, tetrahedra, hexahedra, dodecahedra, and
nanoshells. The specified symmetry of the linkers causes
particles that ordinarily do not organize into a lattice or
organize into one particular lattice to reorganize into a
different lattice based on the symmetry of interactions

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5

afforded by the linker. For example, a tetrahedron linker can
promote a spherical or quasi-spherical particle to organize
into a diamond lattice instead of a body-centered cubic
(BCC) lattice. Thus, a skilled artisan using LDML method
can select the necessary linker to create a desired lattice with
any space group described in Hahn (/nternational Tables for
Crystallography (2006). Vol. A: Space-group symmetry, ch.
7.1, pp. 112-717; incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety). Preferably, the method affords the inclusion of
different programmable interactions within one particle or
one linker, called “colored” interactions, that allow an
assembly of different types of particles. The interactions can
be made at the facets of the linkers and/or at its vertices.

The linkers may be used in order to allow an assembly of
different types of particles. The types of particles are not
particularly limited, but may include nano sized particles as
well as micron sized particles. Non-limiting examples
include nanospheres, nanorods, nanoshells, and nanocap-
sules. Embodiments include the particles being made from
metal, such as for example noble metals such as gold, silver,
palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, or plati-
num. The particles may also be made from semiconductors,
such as cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide, zine sulfide, or
gallium arsenide. The particles may further also be made
from oxides, such silicon dioxide (SiO) or iron oxide
(Fe(11),O,, or Fe(III)05). The particles may further still also
be made from combinations of materials, such as for
example gold coated silicon dioxide (an example of a
nanoshell).

In an embodiment, the designed symmetry of connections
is provided to assemble spherical particles. The spherical
particles may have diameters ranging from about 1 nm to
about 1 jm or more. All individual values and subranges
about 1 nm to about 1 jum or more are included herein and
disclosed herein; for example, the diameters can be from a
lower limit of about 1, 5, 10, 20, 27, 30, 38, 40, 44, 50, 60,
75, 80, 90 or 100 nm to an upper limit of about 25, 27, 30,
38, 40, 44, 50 60, 75, 80, 901, 100, 250, 500, 750, 800, 900,
or 1,000 nm. Embodiments encompass for example spheri-
cal particles having diameters from about 5 nm to about 500,
from about 10 nm to about 500, and from about 20 nm to
about 60 nm.

However, nonspherical particles can also be assembled by
converting nonspherical particles into quasi-spherical par-
ticles through functionalization. That is, functionalization
creates a shell around any particle, thereby imitating a
spherical particle (ie. quasi-spherical).

In certain embodiments, nonspherical particles may be
assembled via DNA encoding by converting the nonspheri-

cal particles into quasi-spherical particles through DNA 5

functionalization. That is, DNA functionalization creates a
shell around any particle, thereby imitating a spherical
particle (i.e. quasi-spherical).

The linkers are not particularly limited in the LDML.
method, as long as they provide symmetric interactions and
have multiple attachment points that, in turn, determine the
phase of the 2D or 3D structure. Such linkers can range in
size from about 1 nm to about 1 yum or more and can be
composed of inorganic blocks, organic polymers, oxides
(e.g. Fe,O3, SiO,) and biomolecular constructs.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the linkers can include (1) DNA
scaffold constructs, (2) anisotropic particles, (3) multimeric
protein-DNA complexes, and (4) fabricated “patchy” par-
ticles. The binding between linkers and particles can be
implemented in various ways known in the art. For example,
US. Pat. Pub. No. 2009/0275465 to Gang et al. (incorpo-
rated herein by reference in its entirety) describes the

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formation of three-dimensional crystalline assemblies of
gold nanoparticles mediated by interactions between
complementary DNA molecules attached to the nanopar-
ticles’ surface. In particular, the DNA character and com-
position may be used to finely control the self-assembly
kinetics, as well as final assembled aggregate size and
morphology of superlattices.

In one embodiment, by varying the length of the comple-
mentary DNA sequence on the linker and the nanoparticle of
interest, the inter-particle distance in the aggregates can be
decreased or increased. In some embodiments, the comple-
mentary DNA sequence can also have a neutral, non-
complementary DNA spacer sequence (flexor) that itself
does not hybridize. By changing the length and the amount
of neutral, non-complementary DNA relative to the aggre-
gation-promoting complementary DNA, the sizes of the
aggregates and the number of possible linkages per nano-
particle can be controlled. In this embodiment, the use of the
rigidified spacer sequences provides additional enhancement
of the aggregation kinetics. In some embodiments the rigidi-
fied spacer sequence comprises at least one segment of
double-stranded DNA. In yet another embodiment of using
DNA-induced self-assembly, the propensity for the DNA-
linkages to melt at a temperature can be used for superlattice
assembly. The melting (breakdown H-bonds) of DNA link-
ages dependents upon the sequences of DNA used, the
number of linkages between nanoparticles, and the local salt
environment (e.g. Mg or Na). This allows for additional
lattice formation approaches to be developed based on
assembly melting point, but also, the ability to simply
disassemble nanoparticle assemblies. This disassembly is a
useful property of these systems that can be used to modify
superlattice formation by substituting a different linker
nanoparticle(s).

(1) DNA Scaffold Constructs

Typically, the DNA scaffold constructs are made from 1 to
10 stands of DNA. Through Watson-Crick base pairing, a
multitude of sequences can be formulated and DNA can
yield self-assembling scaffolds of various conformations
(i.e. cubic, tetrahedron, octahedron, etc). Although RNA and
protein-based molecular self-assembly offer the structural
and functional diversity, the predictability and rigidity of
DNA scaffolding are advantageous for applications demand-
ing a high degree of structural control and accuracy.

FIG. 8 show an exemplary embodiment of a DNA scaffold
construct. The illustrated DNA scaffold forms a tetrahedron
that allows assembly of spherical particles. In this embodi-
ment, four single stranded (ss) DNA molecules (see Table 2;
System VI) are encoded to only hybridize with each other in
a specific location and orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 8A,
DNA T1 has four regions of 37 base pairs (~12.3 nm) and
one recognition site (Arm T1). The first T1 region hybridizes
with the first T2 region. The second T1 region hybridizes
with the second T4 region. The third T1 region hybridizes
with the third T3 region. In contrast to the other T1 regions,
the recognition site (Arm T1) hybridizes with the DNA
functionalized nanoparticles (see FIG. 8C) to form DNA-
nanoparticle construct. Alternatively, the nanoparticles can
be covalently attached to the DNA scaffold construct by any
suitable linking mechanism, for example, via biotin linker. A
detailed description of synthesizing symmetric DNA scaf-
fold constructs can be found in Lo, P. K., et al. Current
Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2010. 14(5): p. 597-607,
Yang, H. et al. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 2010.
254(19-20): p. 2403-2415; Goodman, R. P., et al., Nature
Nanotechnology, 2008. 3(2): p. 93-96; Lin, C. et al. Bio-
chemistry, 2009. 48(8): p. 1663-1674; and Zhang, C., et al.,

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7

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2009. 131(4): p.
1413 (all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).
The measurements from the small-angle x-ray scattering
(SAXS) experiments (see FIG. 8B) suggest that nanopar-
ticles with the DNA scaffold tetrahedron form superlattices
having a diamond shape symmetry (see FIG. 8D), while
assembly of spherical particles typically results in a body-
centered cubic (BCC) lattice. Thus, by manipulating the
structure and orientation of the DNA scaffold, known in the
art as DNA origami, the LDML method allows rational
design of complex, multicomponent lattices that include
cubic, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthorhombic, etc.
(2) Anisotropic Particles

The symmetric anisotropic nanoparticle linkers that can
be used in the disclosed LDML method include nanoscale
rods (B. D. Busbee, et al. 4dv. Mater. 15, 414-416, 2003;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), disks (S.
Chen, et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 106, 10777-10781, 2002;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), triangular
prisms (S. Chen et al. Nano Lett. 2, 1003-1007, 2002;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), multipods
(S.-M. Lee, et al. J) Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 11244-11245,
2002; S. Chen et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125, 16186-16187,
2003; incorporated herein by reference in their entirety),
cubes (Y. Sun et al. Science 298, 2139-2141, 2002; T. S.
Ahmadi et al. Science 272, 1924-1926, 1996; incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety), nanoshells (S. J.
Oldenburg et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 75, 2897-2899, 1999;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and other
structural motifs besides cubes that belong to polyhedra,
such as, but not limited to, octahedra, tetrahedra, hexahedra,
dodecahedra and icosahedra.

Among the known anisotropic nanoparticles, nanorods
are the most common as this structural motif is found in a
broad range of materials, including CdE (E=Se, Te), Ag, Au,
TiO,, and others (S.-J. Park et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122,
8581-8582, 2000; incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety). However, the same materials can be used to build
other structural motifs such as polyhedra (e.g. cubes), tri-
angular prisms, nanoshells and multipods. The type and size
of the material used to construct the anisotropic particles is
not particularly limited and can be selected based on the
desired parameters of the system. For example, the aniso-
tropic particles can be made from metal, polymer, oxide or
semiconductor and range in size between about 1 nm and
about 1 jum, preferably between about 5 nm and about 500
nm or between about 500 nm and 1 jum. If the anisotropic
particles are made from metal, the metal is preferably a
noble metal such as gold, silver, palladium, iridium,

osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, or platinum. If, however, the 5

anisotropic particles are made from semiconductor, the
semiconductor can include, but not limited to, cadmium
selenide, cadmium sulfide, zinc sulfide, or gallium arsenide.
Tf the anisotropic particles are made from oxides, the oxide
can be silicon dioxide (SiO) with desired optical properties
(e.g. diamond lattice) or iron oxide (Fe(II),;O, or Fe(II]),03)
with desired plasmonic or magnetic properties.

The synthetic methods used to make the anisotropic
nanoparticles have been described previously in E. Hao et al.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124, 15182-15183, 2002: E. Hao, et al.
Nano Lett. 4, 327-330, 2004; E. Hao et al. J. Phys. Chem. B
108, 1224-1229, 2004; all incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety.

To facilitate superlattice formation, the anisotropic par-
ticle linkers have connecting sites with specific symmetry
due to an anisotropic nature of the linker. For example, the
connecting sites of the polyhedron linker are placed at its

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8

facets. The connecting sites can provided by DNA function-
alization that can hybridize with randomly placed DNA
strands on the counter nanoparticle (shown as spheres in the
Figures). Through Watson-Crick base pairing, the hybrid-
ization only occurs between the linker and the nanoparticle
spheres. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that
other methods of linking the particles can be used and the
disclosed invention is not limited to only DNA hybridized
connectivity. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary embodiment
where an anisotropic particle linker with cube structural
motif is hybridized with six nanoparticle spheres (one at
each of its facets). The spheres, in turn, can hybridize with
other anisotropic particle linkers. As shown in FIG. 5A, the
cube-induced assembly of spheres results in a NaCl-type
primitive cubic lattice (cP or simple cubic). Each sphere and
each cube linker has six connectivity sites. FIG. 5B illus-
trates another example of the octahedral-induced assembly
of spheres that results in perovskite-type structure observed
in compounds such as SrTiO . In both cases polyhedral
particles and spheres are encoded with complementary
single-stranded DNA to provide mutual binding. While
assembly of spherical particle typically results in a body-
centered cubic (BCC) lattice, as shown in FIG, 5A the 6-fold
cubic symmetry can dictate a simple cubic phase of spheres
and overall NaCl-type lattice. Similarly, in the octahedra-
induced assembly shown in FIG. 5B the underlying sym-
metry of octahedra induces a complex lattice arrangement,
perovskite structure, typically exhibited by many oxides
with interesting electronic and magnetic properties (general
formula ABO,, for example CaTiO,, SrTiO,).

(3) Multimeric Protein-DNA Complexes

The multimeric proteins, such as knob adenovirus and
streptavidin tetramer, can be symmetrically conjugated with
DNA to form linker molecules that can assist in the forma-
tion of controllable superlattices. Specifically, the introduc-
tion of structural elements with predesigned symmetries and
quantized number of binding sites provides a finite and
location specific connectivity sites. For instance, symmetric
adenovirus knob proteins can be used as scaffolds for
nano-assembly by way of incorporating a genetic mutation
to produce solvent-accessible Cys residues at knob’s trim-
eric surface. (Maye et al. Small 4(11), 1941-1944, 2008,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) In contrast,
the single stranded DNA with a desired sequence can be
synthesized with a thiol attached to a specific base. The
mixture of two systems produces a DNA-functionalized
knob protein that can hybridize with other particles. The
resulting symmetric tridentate linker possess tunable assem-
bly characteristics with other nanoparticles.

The LDML strategy is based on designed linkers with
multiple attachment points, which determine connections
between isotropic DNA coated particles. Such linkers can
possess a specific symmetry that analogously to atomic
bonds will result in the particular symmetry of the formed
lattice. By introducing linkers with a specific architecture of
connecting sites where bonding between linker and particles
is determined by molecular bonds (for example DNA,
hydrogen bonds etc.) the correspondence between the linker
symmetry and packing of particles into superstructures is
established during the self-assembly process. This approach
potentially allows for a rational fabrication of 3D structures
via establishing a local connection of particles with specifi-
cally designed linkers.

(4) Fabricated “Patchy” Particles

The ability to design and assemble three-dimensional
structures from colloidal particles is limited by the absence
of specific directional bonds. As a result, complex or low-

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9

coordination structures, common in atomic and molecular
systems, are rare in the colloidal domain. However, a general
method for creating the colloidal analogues of atoms with
valence: colloidal particles with chemically distinct surface
patches that imitate hybridized atomic orbitals can be
accomplished by cross-linking amidinated polystyrene
nano/microspheres, and assembling these spheres using an
emulsion-evaporation method to produce “minimal-mo-
ment” clusters with reproducible symmetries: spheres,
dumbbells, triangles, tetrahedral, etc. (Monoharan V. N. et
al. Science 301, 4830487, 2003; incorporate herein by
reference in its entirety). A cluster of amidinated polystyrene
spheres can then be swollen with styrene such that the
extremities of the cluster protrude from the styrene droplet.
The styrene is then polymerized and the protrusions from the
original cluster become patches. (Ugelstad J. et al. Makro-
mol. Chem. 180, 737-744, 1979; incorporate herein by
reference in its entirety). In one exemplary embodiment, the

patches can then be site-specifically functionalized with

biotin and biotinated DNA oligomers can be introduced and
bind to the particle patches via a biotin-streptavidin-biotin
linkage.

Functionalized with DNA with single-stranded sticky
ends, the fabricated patchy particle can form symmetric
bonds through programmable, specific and reversible DNA
hybridization with other nanoparticles and self-assemble
into superlattices with triangular, tetrahedral and other bond-
ing symmetries.

EXAMPLES
Example 1—Cubie Gold Nanoparticles

Cubic gold (Au) nanoparticles synthesis is described. All
synthesis reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St.
Louis, Mo.) and used without further purification. Cubic
nanoparticles were synthesized following the procedure
outlined in Niu et al (W. X. Niu et al., J.Am Chem Soc 131,
697 (Jan. 21, 2009); F. Lu et al., J Am Chem Soc 133, 18074,
(Nov. 16, 2011); incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety). Surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
(CTAB) was used in the final seed-mediated growth of gold
nanocubes. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were spun
down (10 min, 8000 rpm) and re-suspended in deionized
water (DIW) twice to remove excess surfactants and get
concentrated suspension in DIW. Concentration of anisotro-
pic nanoparticles was quantified using the absorbance value

at the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) maximum in UV-vis 5

absorption spectra. A molar extinction coefficient of 2.2x
10'° M-!-cm™! at 540 nm SPR peak was used for nanocubes
with 42 nm edge.

Example 2—Octahedral Gold Nanoparticles

Similar to cubic Au nanoparticles described in Example 1,
the octahedral Au nanoparticles were synthesized following
the same procedure outlined in Niu et al., except instead of
using CTAB surfactant, cetylpyridium chloride (CPC) sur-
factant was used in the final seed-mediated growth of
octahedron particles. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were
spun down and re-suspended in deionized water (DIW) to
remove excess surfactants and get concentrated suspension
in DIW. Concentration of anisotropic nanoparticles was
quantified using the absorbance value at the SPR maximum
in UV-vis absorption spectra. A molar extinction coeflicient

a

8

30

4

10
of 1.5x10'° M7 -cm™ at 558 nm SPR peak was used for
nanooctahedra with 40 nm edge.

Example 3—Spherical Gold Nanoparticles

The spherical Au nanoparticles with diameters of 38 nm
and 27 nm were purchased from Ted Pella, Inc. (Redding,
Calif.). The monodispersed gold nanoparticles were sup-
plied in water, having trace amounts of citrate, tannic acid
and potassium carbonate. For the Au nanospheres with
diameter of 38 nm, a molar extinction coeflicient of 9.3x10°
M cm"! at 529 nm was. For the Au nanospheres with
diameter of 27 nm, the molar extinction coefficient of
3.6x10° M-‘-cmr' at 527 nm was used.

The spherical Au nanoparticles with diameters of 44 nm
were purchased from Nanopartz, Inc. (Loveland, Colo.). For
these Au nanospheres, a molar extinction coefficient of
10x10? M-'-cm"! at 531 nm was used.

Example 4—DNA Functionalization of Gold
Nanoparticles

Thiol-modified single-strand oligonucleotides, 5'-ATTG-
GATTGGAAGTA TCTTGTGTCGATAGGTCGGTTGCT-
TITITTTTTTT-C,H,,—SH-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1) and
5'-TACTTCCAATCCAATTCTTGTGTCGATAGGTCG-
GTIGCT-TTTTTITTITT-C,H,—SH-3' (SEQ ID NO. 2)
were purchased from Integrated DNA Technologies Inc.
with disulfide modification. Before nanoparticle DNA func-
tionalization, the disulfide oligonucletides were first reduced
by dissolving the lyophilized samples (100300 nmoles) in
0.3 mL of a 100 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) solution in purified
water or buffer. The reduced DNA was loaded onto a freshly
purified sephadex column (G-25, Amersham Bioscience)
and eluted with 2.5 mL of 10 mM phosphate buffer
(pH=7.4). The DNA was quantified using UV-Vis analysis
using the known extinction coefficient.

Au nanoparticles (AuNP) were functionalized with
ssDNA following a method of J. E. Millstone et al. to
achieve high DNA coverage (J. E. Millstone et al., Small 4,
2176 (December, 2008); incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety). Briefly, an aliquot of purified DNA solution was
added to 1 mL aliquot of Au nanoparticles (~3 OD 69 of
DNA per mL of nanoparticle colloid). After allowing 1-3
hours for thiolated DNAs to react with the gold surface,
particle suspensions were brought to 0.01% sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) and 10 mM sodium phosphate and allowed to
sit for 1 hour. The colloidal nanoparticle solutions were then
slowly treated with NaCl to allow for electrostatic screening
between neighboring DNA strands and denser surface cov-
erage of oligonucleotides. Specifically, NaCl concentration
of the solution was brought to 0.5 M slowly by adding
aliquots of 3 M NaCl eight times with approximately 30
minute intervals for incubation. After reaching the final
NaCl concentration, particles were allowed to sit overnight
to achieve maximum DNA loading. To remove the excess,
unbound DNA from the solution, the mixture was centri-
fuged, the supernatant was removed, and the pellet was
resuspended in washing buffer. This process was repeated
three times. After the supernatant had been removed the
third time, the pellet was resuspended in 0.2 M PBS buffer
(0.2 M NaCl & 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH=7.4).

FIGS. 6A (left) and 7A (left) show the SEM images of
individual DNA functionalized nano-cubes and octahedra,
respectively, prepared as the examples of an anisotropic
particle linker. FIGS. 6A (right) and 7A (right) show the
SEM images of individual spherical nanoparticles. Since the

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a8

DNA sequences are not self-complementary, the cubes,
octahedra and spheroids do not self-assemble in a solution
into a superlattice.

Example 5—Superlattice Formation from Cubic
and Spherical Nanoparticles

After the Au nanoparticles (linkers and spheres) function-
alization with ssDNA in Example 4, the assembly was
obtained by combing equal molar amounts of DNA-capped
(SEQ ID NO. 1) gold nanocubes and DNA-capped (SEQ ID
NO. 2) gold nanospheres. The samples were then aggregate
at room temperature, annealed at 58° C. for about 30 minutes
and cooled down to room temperature for about 2 hours. The
resulting precipitate was collected and transferred in buffer
to a quartz capillary (1.0 mm diameter), and sealed with
wax.

The samples deposited on a cleaned silicon substrate were

measured using Hitachi S-4800 Scanning Electron Micros- ,

copy with typical 1 kV voltage and 10 A emission current.
A standard polyelectrolyte-assisted layer-by-layer (LBL)
method was applied to preparing the diluted nanoparticles-
assembled clusters for SEM characterization (S. Vial, et al.
Langmuir 23, 4606 (Apr. 10, 2007) incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety). Silicon wafers were used as sub-
strates for SEM characterization. The substrates were soni-
cated for 10 min in water and then in ethanol, subsequently
thoroughly cleaned using piranha solution (H,SO,:H,0,=7:
3), rinsed with deionized water, and dried under an air
stream. The wafers were stored in water until use. Before
used, the wafers were first immersed in an aqueous solution
of positively charged poly (diallydimethylammounium chlo-
ride) PDDA (Mw=200000, 1 mg/mL in 0.5 M NaCl aqueous
solution) for 20 min, then in an aqueous solution of the
polyanion poly(acrylic acid, sodium salt) PAA (Mw=15000,
1 mg/mL in 0.5 M NaCl aqueous solution) for 10 min, and
finally in PDDA solution for 10 min. At this stage, the wafers
are positively charged, favoring the electrostatic interaction
with negatively charged DNA in the assembled aggregates.
To obtain a monolayer of nanoparticles-assembled clusters,
the pretreated wafers were immerse into the corresponding
solution with diluted aggregates and kept for a suitable
period time. After enough absorption, the substrates were
rinsed with deionized water and dried under an air stream for
further SEM characterization. FIGS. 6B and 6C show the
scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the DNA-
driven assembly of Au DNA-capped nanospheres and nano-

cubes at a resolution of 1 jm and 50 nm, respectively. FIG. 5

6D shows the generated Au superlattice slightly tilted from
the conformation seen in FIG. 6C.

SAXS experiments were performed in-situ at the National
Synchrotron Light Source’s (NSLS) X9 beamline. The scat-
tering data were collected with a MarCCD area detector and
converted to 1D scattering intensity vs. wave vector transfer,
q=(4a/A) sin(0/2), where 4=0.9184 A, and 6, are the wave-
length of incident X-ray and the scattering angle respec-
tively. The data are presented as the structure factor S (q),
which was calculated as Ia (q)/Ip(q), where Ia (q) and Ip(q)
are background corrected 1D scattering intensities extracted
by angular averaging of CCD images for a system under
consideration and the corresponding unaggregated gold par-
ticles, respectively. The peak positions in $ (q) are deter-
mined by fitting a Lorenzian form. The plot obtained by
small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) of the assembly shown

S

45

65

12

in FIG. 6E reveals that the assembly SAXS lines and
indexing align with simple cubic model (see FIG. 6F).

Example 6—Quantify the Ordering of Cube-Sphere
Assemblies

In order to quantify the ordering of the cube-sphere
assemblies, the orientation of a selection of cubes within
scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were manually deter-
mined. The cubes appear effectively as square, and the
orientation of these 4-fold symmetric objects can be
described using an angle -45°<a<+45°. Examples images
are shown in FIG. 9. It must be noted that for the 38 nm
sphere assemblies, nearby cubes have similar orientations:
there is a strong orientation correlation that extends over
many lattice repeats. By comparison, the 27 nm spheres
create assemblies that are poorly ordered: nearby cubes have
little correlation between their orientations. To quantify this
correlation effect, an orientation correlation function, g(r),
was calculated as a function of separation distance r. First,
an order parameter for a cube at position r can be determined
using: p(r)-e*"*”, The orientational correlation function is
then computed as:

gir=<yOW>,
where the angle brackets average over all the pairwise
particle correlations. The function g(r) decays from a value
of exactly 1.0 (each particle is correlated perfectly with
itself) to 0.0 in the limit of there being no correlation. By
fitting the decay of g(r) to an exponential function, a
characteristic lengthscale, the orientational correlation
length § is obtained, which can be used as an estimate of the
average grain size for the superlattice. It must be noted that
E57 nm 217 nm and &,, ,,,44 nm, indicating that the larger
spheres generate well-ordered assemblies with enforced
order over 4-6 lattice repeats; whereas the small spheres do
so substantially less.

Example 7—Modeling and Calculation of
Attraction Potential Energy Between Cube and
Sphere

Total hybridization energy of DNA bridges between a
sphere (radius of R) and a cube (edge length of Li.)
dominates the pair attraction potential energy, AE.,,,, which
is proportional to the number of hybridized DNA bridges
formed between the their contradictory surfaces, with van
der Waals (vdW) interactions contributing insignificantly.
When 2RsL,,,,., the number of hybridized DNA bridges
formed between sphere and cube is approximately propor-
tional to the circle projection area of sphere on the square
facet of cube, i.e., effective area, S.g, which can be obtained
from simple geometry considerations as (see FIG. 10):

Seg = Sfut — Sex

Sig = aR?
af af Ra dew Veda
Sou = Ffeos (=) = (R= dexs) R2 = (R= dene)

sf if Rade

Where S,,; is the surface area of the full sphere projection
with radius of R; S,,, is the surface area of the extruding
projection that is excluded from square facet of cube with a
distance of d,.,.

Page 20

US 9,751,758 B2

13

When sphere deviates from the origin with a distance of
d,,,. the pair attraction potential energy can be approxi-
mated as follows:

AE (Ry dhtey) 6 Seep =

aie (0sdin = M8)

AR? + (R—dew)N des OR — dea) = [oo (

+R, (FA —R< diy Ht)

Leste
dex, = ey = =

Considering compare convenience, the pair attraction poten-
tial energy can be normalized by IAE,,,(R,0)I.

Example 8—Superlattice Formation from
Octahedral and Spherical Nanoparticles

After the Au nanoparticles (linkers and spheres) function-
alization with ssDNA, the assembly was obtained by comb-
ing equal molar amounts of SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO.
2 DNA-capped gold nanoparticles and the particles were
allowed to aggregate at room temperature. The samples were
then annealed at 58° C. for about 30 mins and cooled down
to room temperature for about 2 hours. The resulting pre-
cipitate was collected and transferred in buffer to a quartz
capillary (1.0 mm diameter), and sealed with wax. FIGS. 7B
and 7C show the scanning electron microscope (SEM)
images of the DNA-driven assembly of Au DNA-capped
nanospheres and nanooctahedra at a resolution of 200 nm
and 50 nm, respectively. FIG. 7D shows the generated Au
superlattice slightly tilted from the conformation seen in
FIG. 7C and at a resolution of 20 nm. The plot obtained by
small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) of the assembly shown
in FIG. 7E reveals that the assembly SAXS lines and
indexing align with cubic perovskite model (see FIG. 7F).

Example 9—Preparation of the DNA Tetrahedron

The DNA tetrahedra with high melting temperature were
prepared from four DNA single strands based on the pro-
cedure described in He, Y. et al. (Nature 452, 198-201, 2008;
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

To check the stoichiometry of four DNA single strands,
the structural uniformity and the thermal stability of the

DNA tetrahedral scaffolds, the self-assembled DNA tetra-

hedra were examined by gel electrophoresis. FIG. 11 shows
a 6% polyacrylamide non-denaturing gel electrophoresis for
twelve samples described in Table 1. Sets of strands for
constructing the DNA tetrahedra were stoichiometrically
mixed and dissolved to 1.0 uM in 1xTAE buffer (40 mM
Tris-acetate, 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.3) with respective amounts
of magnesium acetate and sodium chloride that meet the
conditions in Table 1.

10

a

40

14

After assembling the scaffolds, the samples for Lane 4 and
10 were heated up to 50° C. for 3 min and cooled down
quickly to check the thermal stability for crystallization
process. Then equimolar amounts (2.5 pmol) of DNA tet-
rahedra, with respective conditions, were loaded into all
wells. The gel was run at 200 V for 1 hour and stained with
ethidium bromide for 3 min. Some of DNA tetrahedral
scaffolds appear to aggregate each other with their arms and
are accumulating in each well. However, a single high-
intensity band corresponds to the single DNA tetrahedra has
appeared in each lane, indicating the high-yield and the
uniform assembly of DNA tetrahedral scaffolds. Regardless
of how many bases the connecting bond has, melting tem-
perature of DNA tetrahedron is determined by the thermal
stability of double-stranded tetrahedra scaffold. By gel elec-
trophoresis assay after heating up to 50 degree C. (in Lane
4 and 10), there was no significant structural change in DNA
tetrahedra.

The DNA scaffolds require a certain amount of magne-
sium and/or sodium ions to structurally stabilize the duplex.
However, these ions sometimes accelerate the aggregation
of DNA-covered AuNPs. Therefore, the influence of mag-
nesium and sodium ion concentrations was checked for
DNA-covered Au nanoparticles by DLS before crystalliza-
tion with DNA tetrahedra. The DNA-covered AuNPs had a
diameter of ~20 nm (corresponds to AuNP with DNA shell)
and they did not aggregate under the concentration of Mg**
below 5 mM. Some AuNP aggregation was observed under
the concentration of Mg** over 6 mM. However, no aggre-
gation occurred during assembling of DNA tetrahedra and
AuNPs under the concentration of Mg?* over 6 mM and
almost the same sharpness of peaks was confirmed for each
sample in different buffers

Example 10—Diamond Lattice Formation

DNA-covered AuNPs and DNA tetrahedra were mixed in
capillary tubes under (1) different conditions; (2) ratio of
DNA tetrahedra to AuNPs, (3) length of flexor and recog-
nition sequence region and (4) ion concentration (see Table
1). After assembling, the clear supernatants have been
confirmed in the capillary tubes with equimolar mixtures of
DNA tetrahedra and AuNPs, indicating an assembly with
equimolar ratio. The remaining red-colored supernatants in
tetrahedral-AuNP mixtures indicates suspending AuNPs
covered with excessive DNA tetrahedra. Some of the same
samples were assembled in different buffer conditions, dif-
ferent Na* and Mg?* concentrations, however, there was no
significant difference between the structures of assembled
crystals in different buffers.

To test how the size of the DNA influences the formation
of the lattice, six tetrahedra systems were prepared (System
1-V]) with varying DNA sequence length of the recognition
site as summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 1
Lane 19203 4 5 6 7 8 9 WH 12
Number of arms 4 4 443 3 4 4 4 43 3
Na’ concentration(mM) 1 = = = 1 = fo = = = 1 =
Mg” concentation(mM) - 12 6 6 - 12 ~ 12 6 6 = WL
Heat treatment at 50° C. - - - +t = - - - - + - -

Page 21

US 9,751,758 B2

15 16

TABLE 2

DNA sequences used to construct a tetrahedron

system I

System II

System III

System IV

system V

System VI

TACTTCCAATCCAAT-tttttttttt-cce tgt act gge tag gaa tte acg ttt

taa tet ggg ctt ggg tta aga aac tee ceg ege tgg agg eye ate ace gtt
tat gtg tte tgt geg gee tge egt cee gtg tyg g
TACTTCCAATCCAAT-tttttttttt-cgg tga tge gee tec age geg ggg

agt tte tta ace ctt ceg act tac aag age cgg gog aga ctc agg tgg tye
gge att cga cca gga gat ate geg ttc age tat geo c
TACTTCCAATCCAAT-tttttttttt-cce atg aga ata ata cceg ceg att tac

gte agt ceg gtt cce aca egg gac gge agg ceg cac aga aca cat acg ctt
ggg cat age tga acg cga tat cte ctg gte gaa tge ¢
TACTTCCAATCCAAT-tttttttttt-gee cag att aaa acg tga att cct

age cag tac agg gtt ccg gac tga cgt aaa teg geg gta tta tte tea tag
gge ace ace tga gte teg cee gge tet tgt aag tcg g

TACTICCAATCCAAT-ttttt-cce tgt act ggc tag gaa tte acg ttt taa

tet ggg ctt ggg tta aga aac tee cog cge tgg agg cgc atc ace gtt geg
gtg tte tgt geg gee tge egt cee gtg tag g

TACTTCCAATCCAATEtttt cgg tga tge goe tec age geg ggg agt

tte tta ace ett ceg act tac aag age cgg geg aga ctc agg tgg tge ctt
att cga cea gga gat ate geg tte age tat gee

TACTTCCAATCCAATEtttt ccc atg aga ata ata ceg ceg att tac gte

agt ceg gtt cece aca egg gac gge agg ecg cac aga aca cat acg ett ggg
cat age tga acg cga tat cte ctg gte gaa tge

TACTICCAATCCAATttttt gcc cag att aaa acg tga att cct age cag

tac agg gtt ccg gac tga cgt aaa tcg geg gta tta tte tea tgg gtt gge
ace tga gtc teg cee gge tet tgt aag teg g

TICCAATCCAATEtttt ccc tgt act ggc tag gaa ttc acg ttt taa tet

ggg ctt ggg tta aga aac tcc cog cge tgg agg cge atc ace gtt geg tat
gtg tte tgt geg gee tge egt cee gtg tag g

TTCCAATCCAATttttt egg tga tge gee tee age geg ggg agt tte tta

ace ctt ceg act tac aag age egg geg aga cte agg tgg tye ett gge att
ega cca gga gat ate geg tte age tat gee ©

TTCCAATCCAATttttt ccc atg aga ata ata ceg ceg att tac gte agt

ceg gtt ccc aca cgg gac gge agg ccg cac aga aca cat acg ctt ggg cat
age tga acg cga tat ctc ctg gtc gaa tgc ¢

TICCAATCCAATttttt gcc cag att aaa acg tga att cct age cag tac

agg gtt ccg gac tga cgt aaa teg gcg gta tta tte tea tgg gtt gge ace
tga gte tog cee gge tot tgt aag tog g

CCAATCCAATEE coc tgt act ggc tag gaa ttc acg ttt taa tet ggg ctt
ggg tta aga aac toe cog cge tyg agg cge ate ace gtt geg tat gtg ttc
deg gee tge egt cee gtg tgg g

CCAATCCAATEt cgg tga tge gee tee age geg ggg agt tte tta ace ctt
ceg act tac aag age egg geg aga ctc agg tgg tge ctt gge att cga cca
gga gat ate geg tte age tat gee «

CCAATCCAATtt ccc atg aga ata ata ccg ccg att tac gte agt cog gtt
cece aca egg gac gge agg ccg cac aga aca cat acg ctt ggg cat age tga
acg cga tat cte ctg gtc gaa tge c

CCAATCCAATtt gcc cag att aaa acg tga att cct age cag tac agg gtt
cog gac tga cgt aaa tcg gog gta tta tte tea tgg gtt ggo ace ace tga
teg cee gge tet tgt aag tog g

AATCCAATtt cee tgt act ggo tag gaa ttc acg ttt taa tet ggg ctt ggg
tta aga aac tee ceg ege tgg agg cge ate ace gtt geg tat gtg tte tgt
gee tge egt cee gtg teg g

AATCCAATtt cgg tga tye yoo tee age geg ggg agt tte tta ace ctt

ceg act tac aag age cgg geg aga ctc agg tgg tge ctt ggo att cga cca
gga gat ate geg tte age tat gee c

AATCCAATtt ccc atg aga ata ata ccg cog att tac gtc agt ceg gtt cco
aca cgg gac gge agg ccg cac aga aca cat acg ctt ggg cat age tga acg
ega tat cte ctg gte gaa tge ¢

AATCCAATtt gcc cag att aaa acg tga att cet age cag tac agg gtt

ceg gac tga egt aaa teg geg gta tta tte tea tgg gtt gge ace ace tga
teg cee gge tet tgt aag tog g

CCAATCCAATE ccc tgt act ggc tag gaa ttc acg ttt taa tet ggg ctt
ggg tta aga aac tce ceg cge tgg agg cgc atc acc gtt geg tat gtg tte
geg goo tge egt cce gtg tgg g

CCAATCCAATE egg tga tge gee tee age geg ggg agt ttc tta ace ott

ceg act tac aag age cgg geg aga ctc agg tgg tge ott ggo att cga cca
gga gat ate geg tte age tat gee c

CCAATCCAATt ccc atg aga ata ata ccg ceg att tac gtc agt ceg gtt

cece aca egg gac gge agg ceg cac aga aca cat acg ctt ggg cat age tga
acg cga tat cte ctg gte gaa tge ¢

CCAATCCAATt gcc cag att aaa acg tga att cet age cag tac agg gtt
ceg gac tga egt aaa teg geg gta tta tte tea tgg gtt gge ace ace tga
teg cee gge tet tgt aag teg g

AtetH37t10-1-dn15
geg (SEQ ID NO. 3)

AtetE37t10-2-dn15
ett (SEQ ID NO. 4)

AtetE37t10-3-dn15
(SEQ ID NO. 5)

AtetH37t10-4-dn15
gtt (SEQ ID NO. 6)

AtetE37t5-1-dn15
tat (SEQ ID NO. 7)

AtetE37t5-2-dn15
gge (SEQ ID NO. 8)

AtetE37t5-3-dn15
(SEQ ID NO. 9)

AtetE37t5-4-dn15
ace (SEQ ID NO. 10)
TetTSR12-1

(SEQ ID NO. 11)

Tet TSR12-2
(SEQ ID NO. 12)

TetTS5R12-3
(SEQ ID NO. 13)

Tet TSR12-4
acc (SEQ ID NO. 14)
TetT2R10-1

tgt (SEQ ID NO. 15)

Tet T2R10-2
(SEQ ID NO. 16)

Tet T2R10-3
(SEQ ID NO. 17)

Tet T2R10-4
gte (SEQ ID NO. 18)
TetT2R8-1

geg (SEQ ID NO. 19)

TetT2R8-2
(SEQ ID NO. 20)

Tet T2R8-3
(SEQ ID NO. 21)

Tet T2R8-4
gte (SEQ ID NO. 22)
TetTIR10-1_1031

tgt (SEQ ID NO. 23)

TetTIR10-2_1031
(SEQ ID NO. 24)

Tet TIR10-3_1031
(SEQ ID NO. 25)

TetTIR1O-4 1031
gte (SEQ ID NO. 26)

Page 22

US 9,751,758 B2

17
To assemble a DNA tetrahedron, four equimolar amounts
of DNA (T1-T4) were combined together to initiate cross-
hybridization (SEQ ID NOs. 3-6; 7-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-22,
23-26). The four single stranded (ss) DNA molecules (see
FIG. 8A; System VI shown) were encoded to only hybridize 5
with each other in a specific location and manner.

ATTGGATTGGAAGTAttttt -----
ttttttttTAACCTAACC (System VI)

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, DNA T1 has four regions of 37
base pairs (~12.3 nm) (System VI). The first T] region
hybridized with the first region of T2 to form a double
stranded helix. The second T1 region hybridized with the
second T4 region. The third T1 region hybridized with the
third T3 region. Each 5' end of single strand (T1-T4) coming
out from vertex has a recognition site as connecting bond.
Each connecting bond consists of poly-T flexible part
(flexor) and recognition sequence.

The recognition sequence was used to hybridize with the
DNA functionalized Au nanoparticles prepared in Example
3 to form DNA-nanoparticle construct (see FIG. 8C). Spe-
cifically, the recognition sequence of four symmetrical con-
necting bonds was complementary to the ones of single
strands from AuNPs. The AuNPs, mediated by DNA tetra-
hedra, assembled into large-scale ordered structures through
annealing process. By changing the lengths of flexor and
recognition sequence, flexibility of connections between 39
particles and melting temperature of crystal was examined.

It was observed that all sequences (I to VI) result in
tetrahedra formation and are suitable for lattice formation.

18

Although more rigid ones show a better structural organi-
zation (>II>III>IV>V>V1). That is, it was found that 1-2
nucleotides in a flexor resulted in the best structures. While
these examples illustrate a tetrahedron with identical recog-
nition sites, it is also within scope of this disclosure to use
different recognition site sequences, thereby specifically
linking different particles to the same linker DNA construct.

The measurements from the small-angle x-ray scattering
(SAXS) experiments (see FIG. 8B) suggest that nanopar-
ticles with the DNA scaffold tetrahedron form superlattices
having a diamond shape symmetry (see FIG. 8D). While
assembly of spherical particle typically results in a body-
centered cubic (BCC) lattice, the DNA tetrahedron linker
forces the formation of diamond type lattice of spherical
particles. Similarly, the same particles can be assembled into
any of the 230 known lattices by selecting an appropriate
linker particle with specific symmetry of connecting sites.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the
present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described. Rather, the scope of the present
invention is defined by the claims which follow. It should
further be understood that the above description is only
representative of illustrative examples of embodiments. The
description has not attempted to exhaustively enumerate all
possible variations. The alternate embodiments may not
have been presented for a specific portion of the invention,
and may result from a different combination of described
portions, or that other undescribed alternate embodiments
may be available for a portion, is not to be considered a
disclaimer of those alternate embodiments. It will be appre-
ciated that many of those undescribed embodiments are
within the literal scope of the following claims, and others
are equivalent.

SEQUENCE LISTING

<160> NUMBER OF SEQ ID NOs: 28
<210>
<211>
<212>
«213>
<220>
<223>

SEQ ID NO 1

LENGTH: 50

TYPE: DNA

ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
FEATURE:

functionalization

<400> SEQUENCE: 1

attggattgg aagtatcttg tgtcgatagg teggttgett tttttttttt

<210>
<211>
<212>
<213>
<220>
<223>

SEQ ID NO 2

LENGTH: 50

TYPE: DNA

ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
FEATURE:

funct ionalization

<400> SEQUENCE: 2

tacttccaat ccaattcttg tgtegatagg teggttgett tttttttttt

<210>
«211l>
<212>
<213>
<220>
<223>

SEQ ID NO 3

LENGTH: 140

TYPE: DNA

ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

FEATURE:

OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 3

OTHER INFORMATION: Complementary sequence for particle

50

OTHER INFORMATION: Complementary sequences for particle

50

Page 23

US 9,751,758 B2
19

-cont inued

20

tacttccaat ccaatttttt tttttccctg tactggctag gaattcacgt tttaatetgg
gettgggtta agaaactcce cgegetggag gegcatcace gttgegtatg tgttctgtge

ggectgeegt cecgtgtggg

<210> SEQ ID NO 4
<211l> LENGTH: 140

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 4

tacttccaat ccaatttttt tttttcggtg atgegeetce agegcgggga gtttcttaac
cettcegact tacaagagee gggegagact caggtggtge cttggcattce gaccaggaga
tategegtte agetatgece

<210> SEQ ID NO 5

<211l> LENGTH: 140

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 5

tacttccaat ccaatttttt tttttcccat gagaataata cegccgattt acgtcagtce
ggttcceaca cgggacggea ggecgeacag aacacatacg cttgggcata getgaacgeg
atatctcctg gtegaatgec

<210> SEQ ID NO 6

<211> LENGTH: 140

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 6

tacttccaat ccaatttttt tttttgecca gattaaaacg tgaattecta gecagtacag
ggttceggae tgacgtaaat eggeggtatt attcteatgg gttggcacca cetgagtete
geceggetet tgtaagtegg

<210> SEQ ID NO 7

<21l> LENGTH: 135

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 7

tacttccaat ccaatttttt ccctgtacty gctaggaatt cacgttttaa tetgggettg

ggttaagaaa ctcccegege tggaggegea tcaccgttge gtatgtgtte tgtgeggect

geegtccegt gtgag

<210> SEQ ID NO 8

<211> LENGTH: 135

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

60

120

140

60

120

140

60

120

140

60

120

140

60

120

135

Page 24

US 9,751,758 B2
21

-cont inued

22

<400> SEQUENCE: 8
tacttccaat ccaatttttt eggtgatgeg cctecagege ggggagtttc ttaaccctte
egacttacaa gagccgggeg agactcaggt ggtgecttgg cattcgacca ggagatateg

egttcageta tgoce

<210> SEQ ID NO 9
<211> LENGTH: 135

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 9

tacttccaat ccaatttttt cccatgagaa taatacegec gatttacgtc agtecggttc
ccacacggga cggcaggecg cacagaacac atacycttgg gcatagctya acgegatate
tectggtega atgee

<210> SEQ ID NO 10

<211> LENGTH: 135

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 10

tacttccaat ccaatttttt gcccagatta aaacgtgaat tectagecag tacagggttc
eggactgacg taaatcggeg gtattattct catgggttgg caccacctga gtetegeceg
getettgtaa gtegg

<210> SEQ ID NO 11

<211l> LENGTH: 132

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 11

ttccaateca attttttece tgtactgget aggaattcac gttttaatect gggcttgggt
taagaaacte ccegegetgg aggegeatca cegttgegta tgtgttetgt geggectgee
gtecegtgtg gg

<210> SEQ ID NO 12

<21l> LENGTH: 132

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct.

<400> SEQUENCE: 12

ttccaateca attttttegg tgatgegect ccagegeggy gagtttctta acectteega

ettacaagag cegggegaga ctcaggtggt gecttggcat tegaccagga gatategegt

teagetatge cc

<210> SEQ ID NO 13
<211> LENGTH: 132
<212> TYPE: DNA
<213> ORGANIS!
<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

Artificial Sequence

60

120

135

60

120

135

60

120

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<400> SEQUENCE: 13

ttccaatcca attttttcce atgagaataa tacegeegat ttacgtcagt ceggttccca
cacgggacgg caggecgcac agaacacata egcttgggca tagctgaacg cgatatctcc
tggtegaatg cc

<210> SEQ ID NO 14

<21l> LENGTH: 132

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct.

<400> SEQUENCE: 14

ttccaatcca attttttgee cagattaaaa cgtgaattce tagecagtac agggttecyg
actgacgtaa ateggeggta ttattctcat gggttggcac cacctyagte tegeccgget
ettgtaagte gg

<210> SEQ ID NO 15

<211> LENGTH: 127

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 15

ccaatccaat ttccctgtac tggctaggaa ttcacgtttt aatctggget tgggttaaga
aactcccege getggaggeg catcacegtt gegtatgtgt tetgtgegge etgecgtcce
gtgtggg

<210> SEQ ID NO 16

<211l> LENGTH: 127

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 16

ceaatecaat tteggtgatg egectecage geggggagtt tettaaccct tecgacttac
aagagecggg cgagactcag gtggtgectt ggcattcgac caggagatat egegttcage
tatgece

<210> SEQ ID NO 17

<211> LENGTH: 127

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct.

<400> SEQUENCE: 17

coaatccaat ttcccatgag aataataceg cegatttacg teagtceggt teccacacgg
gacggcagge cgcacagaac acatacgett gggcatagct gaacgegata tetectggtc
gaatgee

<210> SEQ ID NO 18

<21l> LENGTH: 127

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence
<220> FEATURE:

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<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct
<400> SEQUENCE: 18
coaatccaat ttgcccagat taaaacgtga attectagec agtacagggt tecggactga

egtaaatcgg cggtattatt ctcatgggtt ggcaccacct gagtctegee eggetcttgt

aagtegg

<210> SEQ ID NO 19

«211l> LENGTH: 125

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 19

aatccaattt cectgtactg gctaggaatt cacgttttaa tetgggycttg ggttaagaaa
cteceegege tggaggegea teacegttge gtatgtgtte tgtgeggect geegtccegt
gtggg

<210> SEQ ID NO 20

<211> LENGTH: 125

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 20

aatccaattt cggtgatgeg ectccagege ggggagtttc ttaacccttc cgacttacaa
gagecgggeg agactcaggt ggtgecttgg cattcgacca ggagatateg egttcageta
tgece

<210> SEQ ID NO 21

<211> LENGTH: 125

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 21

aatccaattt cccatgagaa taatacegee gatttacgte agtccggttce ccacacggga
eggcaggecg cacagaacac atacgcttgg gcatagetga acgegatate tectggtega
atgec

<210> SEQ ID NO 22

<211> LENGTH: 125

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 22
aatecaattt geccagatta aaacgtgaat tectagecag tacagggtte eggactgacg

taaatcggeg gtattattct catgggttgg caccacctga gtetcgeceg getcttgtaa

gtegg

<210> SEQ ID NO 23
<211> LENGTH: 126

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

60

120

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60

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60

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<220> FEATURE:
<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 23
coaatccaat tecetgtact ggctaggaat tcacgtttta atctgggett gggttaagaa
acteccegeg ctggaggege atcacegtty egtatgtgtt ctgtgeggce tgcegtecey

tgtggg

<210> SEQ ID NO 24

«211l> LENGTH: 126

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 24
ccaatccaat teggtgatge gectccagey cgggyagttt cttaaccctt ccgacttaca
agagecggge gagactcagg tggtgecttg gcattcgace aggagatate gegttcaget

atgece

<210> SEQ ID NO 25

<211> LENGTH: 126

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 25
ccaatccaat teccatgaga ataataccge cgatttacgt cagtecggtt cccacacgyg
acggcaggee gcacagaaca catacgetty ggcatagctg aacgegatat ctectygteg

aatgee

<210> SEQ ID NO 26

<211> LENGTH: 126

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Tetrahedron DNA construct

<400> SEQUENCE: 26
ccaatccaat tgcccagatt aaaacgtgaa ttcctageca gtacagggtt ceggactgac
gtaaategge ggtattatte teatgggttg geaccacetg agtctegece ggetcttgta

agtegg

<210> SEQ ID NO 27

<211> LENGTH: 20

<212> TYPE: DNA

<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Complementary sequences for particle
funetionalization

<400> SEQUENCE: 27
attggattgg aagtattttt
<210> SEQ ID NO 28
<211> LENGTH: 20

<212> TYPE: DNA
<213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence

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60

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60

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60

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-cont inued

<220> FEATURE:

<223> OTHER INFORMATION: Complementary sequences for particle

functionalization

<400> SEQUENCE: 28

attggattgg tttttettet

20

The invention claimed is:

1. A controllable nanoparticle superlattice comprising,

a linker comprising a specified symmetry of connecting,
sites, wherein the linker is a symmetric DNA scaffold
construct, an anisotropic particle, a multimeric protein-
DNA complex, or a “patchy” particle, and wherein the
connecting sites of the linker have non-complementary
DNA and/or RNA attached thereto; and

a nanoparticle encapsulated with non-complementary 5

DNA and/or RNA, wherein the non-complementary
DNA and/or RNA of the nano particle is complemen-
tary to the non-complementary DNA and/or RNA of the
linker so as to form a nanoparticle superlattice, wherein
the symmetry of the superlattice is determined by the
specified symmetry of the connecting sites of the linker.

2. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the linker is a symmetric DNA scaffold
construct or an anisotropic particle.

3. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the the linker is a symmetric DNA scaffold
construct.

4. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 3, wherein the symmetric DNA scaffold construct has
one of a cubic geometry, tetrahedron geometry, or octahe-
dron geometry.

5. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 4, wherein the symmetric DNA scaffold construct is a
DNA tetrahedron.

6. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the formed nanoparticle superlattice is a
diamond lattice, simple cubic lattice or perovskite lattice.

a

:
8

w

7. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the anisotropic particle has connecting sites
at particle facets.

8. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the anisotropic particle has connecting sites
at particle vertices.

9. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the anisotropic particle is metal.

10. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 9, wherein the metal is selected from the group
consisting of gold, silver, and platinum.

11. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according to
claim 1, wherein the linker is an anisotropic particle com-
prising a semiconductor.

12. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 11, wherein the semiconductor is selected from the
group consisting of cadmium selenide, cadmium sulfide,
zinc sulfide, and gallium arsenide.

13. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 1, wherein the linker is a magnetic anisotropic
particle.

14. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 13, wherein the magnetic anisotropic particle is iron
oxide.

15. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 1, wherein the linker is an anisotropic particle
comprising silicon dioxide.

16. The controllable nanoparticle superlattice according
to claim 1, wherein the linker is a multimeric protein-DNA
complex comprising a knob adenovirus protein or strepta-
vidin tetramer.
Source notes & attribution
  1. https://rexresearch.com/GangDNASilica/US9751758B2.pdf

Dossier visual record.

All 1 figures

Source illustrations for DNA–silica. Captions identify the document and evidence type.

Keep following.

Thematic connections, not evidence of a shared mechanism