Influence of salt concentration on the assembly of DNA multilayer films

Abstract

DNA multilayer films are promising candidates for a plethora of applications, including sensing, diagnostics, and drug/gene delivery. Fabricated solely from DNA, the use of salt in forming DNA multilayers is crucial in promoting and maintaining hybridization of complementary base pairs by minimizing the repulsive forces between the oligonucleotides and preventing disassembly of the layers once formed. Herein, we examine the role of salt on the assembly of DNA films assembled from oligonucleotides composed of two homopolymeric diblocks (polyAn and polyTnCn) in salt concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2 M. Using quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM) and flow cytometry, we show that films assembl..