Post-assembly click chemistry in DNA origami structure

Kurt Vesterager Gothelf et al, Nature Nanotechnology, 2010, Vol 5, 200. First published online on February 28th.

Seeman and others have turned DNA nanostructures or DNA origami into a fascinating science with extraordinary structural features and with developing applications and potentials in many fields. This publication demonstrates that chemical reactions with single molecules can be performed and imaged at a local position on a DNA origami scaffold by atomic force microscopy via direct detection of Streptavidin anchored onto the nanostructure by biotins.


The biotins are incorporated into the DNA origami via acetylene-azide click chemistry and others. The high yields and chemoselectivities achieved in these reactions demonstrate the feasibility of post-assembly chemical modification of DNA nanostructures. This report opens the door for many applications in biotechnology and materials science since the design and formation of DNA origami is getting mature enough and now post-assembly reactions allow workers to reliably conjugate / insert the molecules of interest in a spatially controlled manner.

One of the many good uses of Huisgen–Sharpless–Meldal copper(I)-catalysed click chemistry.