Molecular recognition between complementary strands of DNA allows construction on a
nanometre length scale. For example, DNA tags may be used to organize the assembly of
colloidal particles 1, 2, and DNA templates can direct the growth of semiconductor …

Matter structured on a length scale comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of light can
exhibit unusual optical properties 1. Particularly promising components for such materials
are metal nanostructures, where structural alterations provide a straightforward means of …

In biology, nucleic acids are carriers of molecular information: DNA's base sequence stores
and imparts genetic instructions, while RNA's sequence plays the role of a messenger and a
regulator of gene expression. As biopolymers, nucleic acids also have exciting …

We created nanometer-scale transmembrane channels in lipid bilayers by means of self-
assembled DNA-based nanostructures. Scaffolded DNA origami was used to create a stem
that penetrated and spanned a lipid membrane, as well as a barrel-shaped cap that adhered …

We describe kinetic control of DNA hybridization: loop complexes are used to inhibit the
hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides; rationally designed DNA catalysts are
shown to be effective in promoting their hybridization. This is the basis of a strategy for using …

DNA origami is a powerful method for the programmable assembly of nanoscale molecular
structures. For applications of these structures as functional biomaterials, the study of
reaction kinetics and dynamic processes in real time and with high spatial resolution …

The molecular recognition properties of DNA molecules combined with the distinct
mechanical properties of single and double strands of DNA can be utilized for the
construction of nanodevices, which can perform ever more tasks with possible applications …

A DNA aptamer structure is the basis of a molecular machine that can be instructed to grab
or release the human blood‐clotting factor α‐thrombin, depending on the operator DNA
sequence addressing it. In the picture the aptamer structure, which assumes a conformation …

We study the distance-dependent quenching of fluorescence due to a metallic nanoparticle
in proximity of a fluorophore. In our single-molecule measurements, we achieve excellent
control over structure and stoichiometry by using self-assembled DNA structures (DNA …

pH oscillations generated by a nonequilibrium chemical reaction are used to switch a pH-
sensitive DNA structure between two distinct conformations. The utilization of a chemical
oscillator represents a novel method for achieving autonomous motion in molecular devices …