Amphiphilic DNA-dendron hybrid: a new building block for functional assemblies

Abstract

A new kind of amphiphilic DNA-dendron hybrid consisting of a highly hydrophobic dendron and a single stranded DNA is synthesized. The hybrid could assemble into long nanofibers in aqueous phase. The hybridization property of DNA at the shell of fibers associated with the encapsulation ability of dendron at the inner core enable further functionalization, offering a unique class of supramolecular building block.