ssDNA-amphiphile architecture used to control dimensions of DNA nanotubes.

Controlling the dimensions of DNA nanotubes is of great interest as they can be used in different applications ranging from functional elements in nanodevices to carriers for drug delivery. ssDNA-amphiphiles composed of a ssDNA headgroup, a hydrophobic dialkyl tail and a polycarbon spacer between the tail and the headgroup, self-assemble into hollow DNA nanotubes by forming bilayer nanotapes that transition from twisted nanotapes, to helical nanotapes, to nanotubes. The presence of the DNA nanotubes is verified via cryo-TEM and SAXS.