Fluorescence Enhancement with DNA Origami Nano-Antennas

Scaffolded DNA origami is a revolutionary approach to design two- and three- dimensional objects of programmed shape and substantial dimensions. We used DNA origami as a biophysical tool to enhance single-molecule assays. The DNA origami serves as molecular breadboard to arrange objects such as dyes and nanoparticles. Examples of DNA origami applications will be presented including the development of nanoscopic calibration rulers for 2D and 3D superresolution microscopy, the measurement of ensem- ble and single-molecule kinetics without a change of the nano-environment, and the switching of energy transfer pathways. Moreover, we arranged gold nanoparticles to create plasmonic hotspots that enable substantial increase of single-molecule fluorescence signals.