Synthetic Condensates and Cell-Like Architectures from Amphiphilic DNA Nanostructures

Our research focuses on using programmable amphiphilic DNA nanostructures to develop synthetic cells that mimic biological cells. We're studying how and why our nanostructures self-assemble and how to make them functionally complex for potential applications like drug delivery, materials templating, and information storage. Firstly, our protocol introduces a simple and modular platform for designing synthetic cells with both structural and functional complexity.

Then, annealing DNA condensating glass capillary tubes offers a robust way of producing them. And what we really like about this method is that we can image the condensates directly under a microscope. By combining our condensates with other modular building blocks, we've shown how a simple process can be used to generate complex structures without the need for expensive equipment or time-consuming synthesis and purification steps.

Our work enables other researchers in the field to construct their own synthetic cells using our amphiphilic DNA nanostructures. We hope that others will take advantage of a robust, simple protocol to design responsive structures that can help them solve their own research questions.