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Volume 13 Issue 8, August 2018

Phase separation of single-stranded DNA

DNA is widely explored as a programmable element to fabricate nanostructures, while it faces challenges when forming assemblies at larger length scale without the aid of polymers or nanomaterials. Now, A. Walther and co-workers found single-stranded DNA with purine-rich poly-A and poly-G sequences can itself undergo a defined lower critical solution temperature-type phase transition at elevated temperature like other polymers, and exploited this to realize all-DNA superstructures. The cover art depicts DNA protocells containing liquid DNA encapsulated in a DNA hydrogel shell, which are formed via a quick one-step heating cycle exploiting this newly discovered concept, as well as their higher-level organization into cellular hydrogel.

See Walther et al.

Image: Remi Merindol. Cover Design: Sam Witham.

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