A modified uridine for the synthesis of branched DNA

Branched DNA constructs have found wide application in DNA-based nanotechnology. Several reports describe the generation of branched DNA structures with variable numbers of arms to self-assemble with pre-designed architectures. Branched DNA is generated by using designed rigid crossover DNA molecules as building blocks. Alternatively, branched DNAs can also be generated by using synthetic branch points derived either from nucleoside or non-nucleoside building blocks. Herein, we report the synthesis of modified uridine derivatives as branching monomer for the synthesis of branched DNA and first studies of their self-assembling properties.