DNA Nanotechnology in the Undergraduate Laboratory: Isothermal Assembly and Quantification of DNA Nanostructures

Abstract

DNA nanotechnology has proven to have strong potential in several applications. This technology relies on the programmable nature of DNA self-assembly to build structures and motifs with a high level of precision. Most assembly techniques rely on a temperature gradient that might not be suitable for all applications, especially those involving other biomolecules. Here, we introduce the isothermal assembly concept that relies on a single temperature to assemble DNA nanostructures. This simple concept can be easily implemented in undergraduate-level training. We present a simple experimental setup for introducing undergraduate students to DNA nanotechnology and learning characterization techniques such as gel electrophoresis. We believe that basic DNA nanotechnology protocols can boost the level of undergraduate research and enrich the interdisciplinary skill set of students, especially those working in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories.