Shining New Light on Photonic, DNA Origami Crystals Create a Play of Colors

LMU and TUM Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Photonic Crystals Using DNA Origami to Mimic Diamond Structures

A team of scientists at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has pioneered a revolutionary method to create photonic crystals using DNA origami, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional lithographic techniques. This innovative approach could pave the way for advancements in energy harvesting, storage, and photonics.

Tim Liedl and his research group at LMU have long explored the potential of DNA origami—where DNA strands are folded into intricate shapes—as a tool for nanotechnology. Their latest breakthrough involves designing and synthesizing DNA building blocks that self-assemble into a lattice structure resembling that of a diamond. The diamond lattice, known for its optimal geometry for photonic crystals, now serves as a blueprint for creating structures that manipulate light.

The DNA origami technique involves a long, ring-shaped DNA strand consisting of around 8,000 bases, along with 200 short DNA staples that control its folding. These staples act like origami masters, folding the long strand into precise shapes and enabling the assembly of the diamond lattice. The resulting crystals, about ten micrometers in size, are then coated with titanium dioxide by Ian Sharp's team at TUM, enhancing their photonic properties.

This method holds significant promise for photonic applications, especially in the visible and UV light ranges where traditional lithographic techniques have struggled.  This groundbreaking work not only showcases the versatility of DNA origami but also heralds a new era in the development of photonic crystals, potentially revolutionizing fields from telecommunications to energy solutions.