Staged DNA Origami Tile Assembly for Micrometer-Scale Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNA origami structures are limited to a scale of about 0.05 square micrometers, hindering applications that require larger layouts and integration with conventional patterning methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a staged assembly of nucleic acid microstructures using an array of polynucleotide tiles with a single-stranded helical scaffold and unique staple strands, allowing for the creation of larger micrometer-sized structures through a hierarchical, multistage assembly process, enabling arbitrary patterns without the need for additional scaffolds or unique strands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If DNA origami structures are used for nanometer-precise patterning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the area of stationary object is limited to about 0.05 square micrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-scale structure into multiple smaller DNA origami tiles that can be independently assembled. Each tile maintains nanometer-precise patterning while the collective array achieves micrometer-scale dimensions, resolving the contradiction between precision and area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements hierarchical assembly where multiple tiles are nested together in a staged process to form larger structures. This nested approach allows the system to maintain the precision of individual tiles while achieving the cumulative area of micrometer-scale arrays.
2Area of stationary object
If larger micrometer-sized structures are assembled from multiple tiles, then area of stationary object is improved, but the number of unique staple sequences required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs staple sequences that can be reused across multiple tiles through systematic addressing schemes. Each staple type serves multiple functions by being incorporated into different tile positions, reducing the total number of unique sequences needed while enabling micrometer-scale assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the staple sequence design, using combinatorial addressing where the same physical staple can address different locations based on its position in the assembly hierarchy. This reduces sequence complexity while maintaining scalability to larger structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional DNA origami methods are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but design and production time increases for larger structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary design of standardized tile units with pre-defined staple sequences and geometries. These pre-designed tiles can be rapidly assembled into larger structures without redesigning each component, significantly reducing design and production time while maintaining nanometer precision through the standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the design process into reusable tile modules, the patent enables parallel design and production of multiple tiles that can be independently optimized and then assembled, reducing overall development time compared to designing large structures as single units.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the assembly of micrometer-sized nucleic acid structures with arbitrary patterns, significantly reducing design and production time and cost, while allowing for the integration of larger layouts and conventional patterning methods.
Implementation Method 1
DNA origami is the nanoscale folding of DNA to create non-arbitrary two- and three-dimensional shapes which is particularly versatile
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods of the present disclosure provide for staged assembly of nucleic acid microstructures made of an array of x number of polynucleotide tiles, where each of the polynucleotide tiles is a polygon configuration and is made from a single-stranded helical polynucleotide scaffold and a plurality of single-stranded polynucleotide staple strands of y number of unique staple sequences corresponding to the selected tile configuration, the y number of unique staple sequences capable of being constant for any value of x.