Error-proof programmable self-assembly of DNA-nanoparticle clusters

Abstract

We study theoretically a new generic scheme of programmable self-assembly of nanoparticles into clusters of desired geometry. The problem is motivated by the feasibility of highly selective DNA-mediated interactions between colloidal particles. By analyzing both a simple generic model and a more realistic description of a DNA-colloidal system, we demonstrate that it is possible to suppress the glassy behavior of the system, and to make the self-assembly nearly error-proof. This regime requires a combination of stretchable interparticle linkers (e.g. sufficiently long DNA), and a soft repulsive potential. The jamming phase diagram and the error probability are computed for several types of clusters. The prospects for the experimental implementation of our scheme are also discussed. PACS numbers: 81.16.Dn, 87.14.Gg, 36.40.Ei

6 pages, 4 figures, v2: substantially revised version, added journal ref

References in corpus (3)

• Phase Behavior and Selectivity of DNA-linked Nanoparticle Assemblies
• The Reversible Phase Transition of DNA-Linked Colloidal Gold Assemblies
• Self-assembly of DNA-coded nanoclusters

Cited by in corpus (5)

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• Self-assembly of DNA-functionalized colloids
• Colloids with key-lock interactions: non-exponential relaxation, aging and anomalous diffusion
• Designing colloidal ground state patterns using short-range isotropic interactions
• How to build nanoblocks using DNA scaffolds