An Alternating-Electric-Field-Driven Assembly of DNA Nanoparticles into FCC Crystals

Using an alternating electric field is a versatile way to control particle assembly. Programming DNA-AuNP assembly via an electric field remains a significant challenge despite the negative charge of DNA. In DNA-AuNP assembly, a critical percolation state is delicately constructed, where the DNA bond is loosely connected and sensitive to electric fields. In this state, an FCC crystal structure can be successfully constructed by applying a high-frequency electric field to assemble DNA-AuNPs without altering the temperature, which is favorable for temperature-sensitive systems. In addition, the regulation of electric fields can be adjusted through parameters such as the frequency and voltage, which offers more precise control than temperature regulation does. The frequency and voltage can be used to precisely tune the phase structure of DNA-AuNPs from dissolved to disordered or FCC. These findings broaden the potential of DNA-based crystal engineering, revealing new opportunities in electronic nanocomposites and devices.