Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to methods for making protein polymers. The methods comprise utilizing oligonucleotides for controlling the association pathway of oligonucleotide-functionalized proteins into oligomeric/polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for the rapid synthesis of large libraries of spherical nucleid acid (SNA) nanoparticles, their screening for activity, and a machine learning algorithm to analyze the data.

Abstract: Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), consisting of densely packed, highly oriented polynucleotide strands attached to the surface of nanoparticles, are able to overcome the typical challenges of nucleic acid delivery. The present disclosure demonstrates that G-rich SNAs exhibit several-fold higher uptake into cells relative to SNAs rich in other nucleotides. This disclosure provides an effective strategy to maximize the intracellular delivery of SNAs, which is applicable to other nanoparticle systems, thus establishing an important design consideration for nanoparticle-based intracellular delivery of therapeutics.

Abstract: A post-synthetic method for stabilizing colloidal crystals programmed from nucleic acid is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method relies on Ag+ ions to stabilize the particle-connecting nucleic acid duplexes within the crystal lattice, essentially transforming them from loosely bound structures to ones with very strong interparticle links. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is DNA. Such crystals do not dissociate as a function of temperature like normal DNA or DNA-interconnected colloidal crystals, and they can be moved from water to organic media or the solid state, and stay intact. The Ag+-stabilization of the nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) bonds is accompanied by a nondestructive contraction of the lattice, and both the stabilization and contraction are reversible with the chemical extraction of the Ag+ ions, e.g., by AgCl precipitation with NaCl.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising protein crystals and methods for programmable biomaterial synthesis. The methods of the disclosure provide the ability to organize proteins within protein crystals with control over protein orientation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing tetrahexahedra nanoparticles and methods of using the tetrahexahedra nanoparticles as an oxidative catalyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to metal-organic framework nanoparticles containing terminal phosphate-modified oligonucleotides, methods for making the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to immunostimulatory protein-core spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising a protein core and a ratio of immunostimulatory and non-immunostimulatory strands, methods of making the immunostimulatory protein-core SNAs as well as their use.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to compositions and methods comprising spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) and their use in penetrating skin and inhibiting gene expression to develop a scar treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method and design rules for making polyelemental systems with specific heterostructures, including tetra-phase nanopartides with as many as six junctions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising a nanoparticle core and an oligonucleotide dendron attached thereto. The disclosure also provides methods of using the SNAs for, for example, gene regulation and immune regulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising a nanoparticle core and an oligonucleotide shell attached to the external surface of the nanoparticle core, wherein the oligonucleotide shell comprises a mixture of class A CpG oligonucleotides and class B CpG oligonucleotides. The disclosure also provides methods of using the SNAs for, e.g., regulation of an immune response and gene regulation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus comprising a dewetting phase and a polymerization liquid that are immiscible, and can be used for the formation of three-dimensional objects, wherein the method does not require a dead zone. Additionally, methods and apparatus that employ an optically transparent cooling apparatus to mitigate heat generated during the fabrication process, and the use of a mobile phase to provide a shearing interface to reduce interfacial adhesive forces.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally related to spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising a protein corona, wherein the SNA comprises (i) a nanoparticle core and (ii) one or more oligonucleotides attached to the surface of the nanoparticle core, wherein the protein corona comprises a plurality of proteins. The disclosure also provides methods of using the same. The disclosure further provides methods of improving stability and/or extending blood circulation half-life of a spherical nucleic acid (SNA), the SNA comprising a nanoparticle core and one or more oligonucleotides attached to the surface of the nanoparticle core, the method comprising adsorbing a plurality of proteins on the surface of the SNA.

Abstract: Liposomes termed as small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), can be synthesized in the 20-50 nm size range, but encounter challenges such as instability and aggregation leading to inter-particle fusion. This limits their use as a therapeutic delivery agent. Increasing the surface negative charge of SUVs, via the attachment of anionic entities such as DNA/RNA, increases the colloidal stability of these vesicles. Additionally, the dense spherical arrangement and radial orientation of nucleic acids exhibits unique chemical and biological properties, unlike their linear counterparts. These liposomal particles, are non-toxic and though anionic, can efficiently enter cells without the aid of ancillary cationic transfection agents in a non-immunogenic fashion. These exceptional properties allow their use as delivery agents for gene regulation in different therapies and offer an alternative platform to metal core spherical nucleic acids.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of preparing three-dimensional photonic crystals having tunable optical properties and control over stopband location and width, the three-dimensional photonic crystals comprising nanoparticles and spacer groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanolithographical cell patterning. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for making an oriented array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forming one or more nanoparticles. The methods include depositing a solution comprising a block copolymer and a metal salt into one or more square pyramidal nanoholes formed in a substrate, and annealing the substrate to provide a single nanoparticle in each of the one or more square pyramidal nanoholes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) comprising oligonucleotides comprising one or more modified oligonucleotides, and methods of use thereof. Also disclosed are methods of synthesizing modified oligonucleotides for use in therapeutics, including deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG)-modified oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods comprising spherical nucleic acid (SNA) components for use as immunotherapeutic agents. The disclosure provides a method comprising: treating a population of antigen presenting cells with a SNA comprising a nanoparticle, an antigen, and an adjuvant; and determining a time at which the population of antigen presenting cells presents a maximal signal that is indicative of antigen presentation by the antigen presenting cells and a time at which the population of antigen presenting cells presents a maximal co-stimulatory signal due to the adjuvant. The disclosure includes compositions that comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a SNA of the disclosure, wherein the SNA comprises a nanoparticle, an oligonucleotide on the surface of the nanoparticle, and an antigen that is associated with the surface of the SNA via a linker. The disclosure additionally includes articles of manufacture and kits.