Abstract
DNA origami is a nanoscale technique that folds single-stranded (ss) DNA backbone “scaffold” into predetermined shapes using synthetic DNA strands “staples”. These folded structures can be programmed to assemble into higher-order structures using complementary single-stranded on each side of the folded structures. However, the assembled structures through ssDNA hybridization are susceptible to changes in the environment; structures dis- assemble into individual subunits by heating or lowering salt concentration, hindering their utilities in applications like drug delivery or nanoelectronics.
This thesis addresses this challenge through a method called “UV-welding,” which utilizes UV light to covalently bond thymine dimers, creating irreversible DNA origami assemblies. Through systematic experimentation, various DNA origami designs undergo UV-welding. By comparing the effects of UV welding on different origami architectures under varying conditions, we uncover the potential of enhancing the stability of assembly structures using UV-welding and gain insights into factors affecting the efficiency of UV-welding for future improvements.