DNA origami directed fabrication of shape-controllable nanomaterials

Abstract

Precise control over the morphologies of nanomaterials is of great importance in nanoscience, as the properties of nanomaterials are strongly dependent on their size, shape, and composition. Taking advantage of the strict base-pairing principle, DNA origami provides a simple way of fabricating complex architectures with nanoscale precision. DNA origami nanostructures have exhibited great potential in tuning the morphology and customizing the functions of various nanomaterials. In this paper, we briefly summarize the progress of shape-controllable fabrication of metal, metal oxide, inorganic nonmetallic nanomaterials, and polymer nanomaterials based on DNA origami. Furthermore, the remaining obstacles and prospects of shape-controllable nanomaterials fabrication directed by DNA origami are also discussed.