An Organic Semiconductor Organized into 3D DNA Arrays by "Bottom‐up" Rational Design. Issue 23 (3rd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Xiao; Sha, Ruojie; Kristiansen, Martin; Hernandez, Carina; Hao, Yudong; Mao, Chengde; Canary, James W.; Seeman, Nadrian C.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 56:Issue 23(2017)
• Page Start: 6445
• Page End: 6448
• Publication Date: 2017-05-03
• Subjects: crystal engineering -- DNA tensegrity triangle -- nanoelectronics -- polyaniline -- self-assembly; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201700462
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: A 3D array of organic semiconductors was assembled using a DNA scaffold. An octameric aniline molecule ("octaniline") was incorporated into a DNA building block based on a dimeric tensegrity triangle. The construct self‐assembled to form a 3D crystal. Reversible redox conversion between the pernigraniline and leucoemeraldine states of the octaniline is retained in the crystal. Protonic doping gave emeraldine salt at pH 5, corresponding to the conductive form of polyaniline. Redox cycling within the crystal was visualized by color changes and Raman microscopy. The ease of conversion between the octaniline states suggests that it is a viable electronic switch within a unique 3D structure. Abstract : Foresee and see : Three decades after the prediction, molecules of an organic semiconductor (octaniline) were templated by a DNA nanostructure and self‐assembled into a macroscopic crystal by rational design (see picture). The oxidation and conducting states of octaniline are readily controlled inside of the crystal and visualized by the corresponding color changes.