Cryo-EM structure of a 3D DNA-origami object

TLDR

Nanotechnology aims to design synthetic objects with functionalities currently limited to natural macromolecular complexes, and while DNA self‑assembly can create user‑defined 3D scaffolds, the achievable positional accuracy remains unclear. We present the cryo‑EM structure and pseudoatomic model of a discrete DNA object nearly twice the size of a prokaryotic ribosome, revealing stable, novel DNA topologies and demonstrating that 3D DNA scaffolds can position user‑defined motifs with natural‑molecule‑level accuracy, thereby offering a promising route to fabricate nanoscale devices with complex functionalities.

Abstract

A key goal for nanotechnology is to design synthetic objects that may ultimately achieve functionalities known today only from natural macromolecular complexes. Molecular self-assembly with DNA has shown potential for creating user-defined 3D scaffolds, but the level of attainable positional accuracy has been unclear. Here we report the cryo-EM structure and a full pseudoatomic model of a discrete DNA object that is almost twice the size of a prokaryotic ribosome. The structure provides a variety of stable, previously undescribed DNA topologies for future use in nanotechnology and experimental evidence that discrete 3D DNA scaffolds allow the positioning of user-defined structural motifs with an accuracy that is similar to that observed in natural macromolecules. Thereby, our results indicate an attractive route to fabricate nanoscale devices that achieve complex functionalities by DNA-templated design steered by structural feedback.