Pyrene-functionalized DNA self-assembles into columnar-packed multilamellar vesicles. The self-assembly into the unique supramolecular architecture is driven by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed a detailed view of the arrangement of individual DNA duplexes.
Multilamellar vesicles are potentially useful as delivery vehicles for pharmaceutical agents or for the construction of artificial light-harvesting complexes. Further studies in these directions are ongoing.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Robert Häner in collaboration with the group of Prof. Dr. Benoît Zuber (Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern).

References:

• J. Thiede, S. Rothenbühler, I. Iacovache, S. M. Langenegger, B. Zuber, R. Häner;
  "Supramolecular Assembly of Pyrene-DNA Conjugates: Influence of Pyrene Substitution Pattern and Implications for Artificial LHCs"
  Org. Biomol. Chem., 2023, 21(39), 7908-7912; doi:10.1039/D3OB01375H.