Design and Synthesis of Triangulated DNA Origami Trusses

DNA nanotechnology offers unique
control over matter on the nanoscale. Here, we extend the DNA origami
method to cover a range of wireframe truss structures composed of
equilateral triangles, which use less material per volume than standard
multiple-helix bundles. From a flat truss design, we folded tetrahedral,
octahedral, or irregular dodecahedral trusses by exchanging few connector
strands. Other than standard origami designs, the trusses can be folded
in low-salt buffers that make them compatible with cell culture buffers.
The structures also have defined cavities that may in the future be
used to precisely position functional elements such as metallic nanoparticles
or enzymes. Our graph routing program and a simple design pipeline
will enable other laboratories to make use of this valuable and potent
new construction principle for DNA-based nanoengineering.