Fluorinated DNA Micelles: Synthesis and Properties

Creating new functional building blocks that expand the versatility of nanostructures depends on bottom-up self assembly of amphiphilic biomolecules. Inspired by the unique physicochemical properties of hydrophobic perfluorocarbons, coupled with the powerful functions of nucleic acids, we herein report the synthesis of a series of diperfluorodecyl-DNA conjugates (PF-DNA) which can efficiently self-assemble into micelles in aqueous solution. On the basis of the micelle structure, both target binding affinity and enzymatic resistance of the DNA probe can be enhanced. In addition, based on the hydrophobic effect, the PF-DNA micelles (PFDM) can actively anchor onto the cell membrane, offering a promising tool for cell-surface engineering. Finally, the PFDM can enter cells, which is significant for designing carriers for intracellular delivery. The combined advantages of the DNA micelle structure and the unique physicochemical properties of perfluorocarbons make these PFDM promising for applications in bioimaging and biomedicine.