Abstract
Nearly thirty years after its inception, the field of DNA-programmed
colloidal self-assembly has begun to realize its initial promise. In this
review, we summarize recent developments in designing effective interactions
and understanding the dynamic self-assembly pathways of DNA-coated
nanoparticles and microparticles, as well as how these advances have propelled
tremendous progress in crystal engineering. We also highlight exciting new
directions showing that new classes of subunits combining nanoparticles with
DNA origami can be used to engineer novel multicomponent assemblies, including
structures with self-limiting, finite sizes. We conclude by providing an
outlook on how recent theoretical advances focusing on the kinetics of
self-assembly could usher in new materials-design opportunities, like the
possibility of retrieving multiple distinct target structures from a single
suspension or accessing new classes of materials that are stabilized by energy
dissipation, mimicking self-assembly in living systems.