Cation-dependent switching of DNA nanostructures.

DNA is a versatile building material for nanoconstruction because of its remarkable molecular-recognition capability and well-predicted duplex conformation. A number of DNA motifs have been engineered, which can assemble into well-defined nanostructures in Mg(2+)-containing buffer solution. XRD studies reveal that the DNA conformation is slightly influenced by divalent cations (such as Mg(2+) or Ca(2+)). This phenomenon can be utilized in DNA self-assembly for regulating self-assembled DNA nanostructures. As an initial step, a symmetric cross motif forms flat, periodic, 2D lattices in Mg(2+)-containing solutions, but long nanofibers in Ca(2+)-containing solutions. The obtained DNA fibers can serve as templates to fabricate CaCO(3) nanotubes and nanowires.