Programmable Three-Dimensional Self-Assembly

The development of modern technology has emphasized the utility of nanomaterials and efficient design of nanostructures. Self-assembly is a powerful, bottom-up approach for the fabrication of nanomaterials. The Hammer and Tongs method that we have developed signifies the advent of a holistic approach to programmable, three-dimensional self-assembly. This method integrates biochemistry and chemical engineering techniques to create DNA-mediated, self-assembling polymer cubes. Selective functionalization of cubic faces with complimentary DNA sequences provides a programmable route for self-assembly. The development of this method and its process steps demonstrates the potential to form complex structures on extremely small scales.