Fabrication of DNA nanotubes using origami-based nanostructures with sticky ends

Described here is a simplified method for fabrication of DNA nanotubes using a minimum numbers of staple oligomers for DNA origami. For this purpose, the cylindrical nanotemplates with two sticky ends have been designed using caDNAno software. Then, the nanostructures were shaped in an optimized experimental condition via an origami-based self-assembly reaction. Finally, the produced nanostructures were joined together through their sticky ends using a ligase enzyme. Transmission electron microscope confirmed fabrication of these elongated nanotubes. In addition, high-resolution microscopy of DNA nanotubes by scanning tunnelling microscope indicated efficient attachments of the primarily DNA nanostructures via their sticky ends. The results demonstrated that a ligase treatment of cylindrical DNA nanostructures with the sticky ends made DNA nanotubes with standard shapes using minimum numbers of staples.