Understanding the hierarchical self-assembly of DNA origami lattices via X-ray surface scattering

DNA origami find novel applications in various fundamental and application-oriented scientific fields. However, limited scalability remains an issue to be overcome, as the self-assembled DNA nanostructures are limited in size to the sub-micron range. Towards this end, hierarchical self-assembly strategies are a promising approach, but limited foundational molecular-scale knowledge of interfacial reactions and formation mechanism impedes fabrication of DNA origami lattices with the desired quality and order. In this proposal, we intent to study ion-exchange reactions relevant to such processes in situ and in real-time via atomic resolution X-ray surface scattering. We anticipate that the obtained knowledge will enable us to better control lattice assembly.