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Abstract
We report that self-assembled DNA nanotubes, upon the addition of DNA condensing multivalent cations, including the naturally occurring polyamines spermidine and spermine, spontaneously condense to form higher-order structures including micrometer-sized rings, vast tridimensional networks and highly clustered bundles. We demonstrate that the process is electrostatically driven, conferring a ubiquitous character to this assembly principle, with a pivotal role of the counter-ion valency. This allows us to devise methods for additional control, such as superstructure disassembly upon monovalent ion addition or photocontrol using a photosensitive DNA condensing agent.
Supplementary materials
Title
Supplementary Information
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This file includes:
Materials and methods
Supplementary Text S1
Supplementary Figures S1–S8
Legends of the Supplementary Movies S1–S3
Supplementary references
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Title
Movie S1
Description
Epifluorescence microscopy observation of the formation of DNA networks or bundles induced by the condensation of DNA nanotubes with the addition of 0.4 mM or 2.5 mM of spermine, respectively. The movie is displayed at real time.
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Title
Movie S2
Description
Epifluorescence microscopy observation of the reversible formation and dissociation of DNA networks induced by the addition of 0.4 mM of spermine and the further addition of 100 mM NaCl. The movie is displayed at real time.
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Movie S3
Description
Epifluorescence microscopy observation of the photosensitive formation of DNA networks induced by the addition of AzoTAB. The movie is displayed at real time.
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