Assembling programmable FRET-based photonic networks using designer DNA scaffolds

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6615
• Publication Date: 2014-12-11T11:26:21Z
• Authors: Susan Buckhout-White; Christopher M Spi...; W. Russ Algar; Ani Khachatrian; Joseph S. Melinger; Ellen R. Goldman; Mario G. Ancona; Igor L. Medintz
• Keywords: Photons; DNA; 02 engineering and technology; Carbocyanines; Article; Kinetics; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Thermodynamics; Neural Networks, Computer; 0210 nano-technology; Fluorescent Dyes

Abstract DNA demonstrates a remarkable capacity for creating designer nanostructures and devices. A growing number of these structures utilize Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as part the device's functionality, readout or characterization, and, device sophistication increases so do concomitant FRET requirements. Here we create multi-dye cascades assess how well can marshal organic dyes into nanoantennae that focus excitonic energy. We evaluate 36 increasingly complex designs including linear, bifurcated, Holliday junction, 8-arm star dendrimers involving up to five different engaging in four-consecutive steps, while systematically varying fluorophore spacing by distance ( R 0 ). Decreasing augmenting cross-sectional collection area with multiple donors significantly terminal exciton delivery efficiency within compared first linear constructs. modelling confirms best results are obtained when there interacting pathways rather than independent channels which excitons travel from initial donor(s) final acceptor.