Tetraphenylethylene–DNA conjugates: influence of sticky ends and DNA sequence length on the supramolecular assembly of AIE-active vesicles

The supramolecular assembly of DNA conjugates, functionalized with tetraphenylethylene (TPE) sticky ends, into vesicular structures is described. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active TPE units allow to monitor the assembly process by fluorescence spectroscopy. The number of TPE modifications in the overhangs of the conjugates influences the supramolecular assembly behavior. A minimum of two TPE residues on each end are required to ensure a well-defined assembly process. The design of the presented DNA-based nanostructures offers tailored functionalization with applications in DNA nanotechnology