Icosahedral DNA nanocapsules by modular assembly

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2009;48(23):4134-7. doi: 10.1002/anie.200806000.

Abstract

It's a trap! DNA polyhedra formed through molecular self-assembly may function as nanocapsules for the targeted delivery of encapsulated entities. This functional aspect was demonstrated for the most complex DNA-based platonic solid: During the stepwise amalgamation of discrete polyhedra to form icosahedra, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were encapsulated from solution (see illustration and TEM image of icosahedral cages containing GNPs).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanocapsules / chemistry*
  • Nanocapsules / ultrastructure
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation

Substances

  • Nanocapsules
  • Gold
  • DNA