Multipatch Colloids via DNA Ligation

Imparting anisotropic interactions to isotropic particles is a critical challenge in colloidal science. While DNA functionalization enables programmable assembly, creating distinct patches often requires intricate, heterogeneous surface chemistries. We address this limitation by introducing a robust, ligation-assisted strategy to engineer DNA patchy colloids from uniform spheres. By coupling sequential DNA hybridization with enzymatic ligation, we achieve the covalent immobilization of distinct DNA functionalities without requiring complex surface prepatterning. Characterization using confocal fluorescence microscopy confirms the structural integrity and spatial resolution of the resulting patches. We further show that patch geometry in assembled clusters is tunable via the core-to-shell particle size ratio (α). This streamlined, covalent functionalization method provides a versatile platform for designing biointerfaces and advancing the self-assembly of programmable matter.