DNA as a Model for Self-Assembling Nanoscale Systems

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Self-assembly methods have the potential to integrate heterogeneous nanoscale objects to create multifunctional systems, with applications ranging from environmental sensing to theranostics. DNA is an ideal system with which to investigate the potential of self-assembly because of its programmability, versatility, and availability.  We work to understand how to integrate  DNA nanostructures with silicon electronics to create devices that deliver novel functionality that cannot be achieved using silicon or DNA alone. We also investigate the limits of diffusional and driven self-assembly in an effort to elucidate the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic effects that control the speed, yield, and complexity of self-assembled nanostructures. Our research effort involves both experimental and theoretical investigations. We use ensemble fluorescence methods to understand the dynamics of assembly, and single-construct measurements, by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and single-molecule fluorescence to provide insight into the degree of perfection that can be achieved. The self-assembly lab is part of the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, where we develop instrumentation beyond the state of the art. Our research program offers a supportive, highly-multidisciplinary environment coupled with outstanding experimental resources.

References

Synthesizing the biochemical and electronic worlds: the future of nucleic acid nanotechnology, J. M. Majikes, and J. A. Liddle, Nanoscale, 14, 15586 (2022)

High-Resolution DNA Binding Kinetics Measurements with Double Gate FD-SOI Transistors, S. Cho, A. Zaslavsky, C. A Richter, J. M. Majikes, J. A. Liddle, F. Andrieu, S. Barraud, A. Balijepalli, 2022 International Electron Devices Meeting, 24.2 (2022)

Failure mechanisms in DNA self-assembly: barriers to single fold yield, Jacob M. Majikes, Paul N. Patrone, Anthony J. Kearsley, Michael Zwolak, J. Alexander Liddle, ACS Nano, 15, 3284 (2021)

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens