Functionalizing colloidal particles with DNA is a powerful tool for guiding their assembly, using the complementary ‘sticky ends’ of the molecules. However, other attributes of DNA can be used to engineer interactions between particles more subtly. Temperature- or time-controlled formation of loops or hairpins in DNA provides switchable connections for novel materials from particle assemblies.
- Mirjam E. Leunissen
- Rémi Dreyfus
- Paul M. Chaikin
