Errorproof programmable self-assembly of DNA-nanoparticle clusters

We study theoretically a generic scheme of programmable self-assembly of nanoparticles into clusters of desired geometry. The problem is motivated by the feasibility of highly selective DNA-mediated interactions between colloidal particles. By analyzing both a simple generic model and a more realistic description of a DNA-colloidal system, we demonstrate that it is possible to suppress the glassy behavior of the system, and to make the self-assembly nearly errorproof. This regime requires a combination of stretchable interparticle linkers (e.g., sufficiently long DNA), and a soft repulsive potential. The jamming phase diagram and the error probability are computed for several types of clusters. The prospects for the experimental implementation of our scheme are also discussed.