Two dimensions and two states in DNA nanotechnology

The construction of periodic matter and nanomechanical devices are central goals of DNA nanotechnology. The minimal requirements for components of designed crystals are [1] programmable interactions, [2] predictable local intermolecular structures and [3] rigidity. The sticky-ended association of DNA molecules fulfills the first two criteria, because it is specific and diverse, and it results in the formation of B-DNA. Stable branched DNA molecules permit the formation of networks, but individual single branches are too flexible. Antiparallel DNA double crossover (DX) molecules can provide the necessary rigidity, so we use these components to tile the plane. It is possible to include DNA hairpins that act as topographic labels for this 2-D crystalline array, because they protrude from its plane. By altering sticky ends, it is possible to change the topographic features formed by these hairpins, and to detect these changes by means of AFM. We can modify arrays by restricting hairpins or by adding them to sticking ends protruding from the array.