Abstract: Compositions containing a nucleic acid nanostructure having a desired geometric shape and immunostimulatory agent(s) bound to its surface are provided. The nanostructures can be, for example, in the form of a 6-helix bundle, or icosahedron, or a pentagonal bipyramid. The nanostructure design allows for control of the relative position and/or stoichiometry of the immunostimulatory agent(s) bound to its surface. The immunostimulatory agent(s) displayed on the nanostructure surface are arranged with the preferred number, spacing, and 3D organization to elicit a robust immune response. The displayed antigen can be a TLR agonist, such as a TLR9 agonist. The immunostimulatory compositions may thus be useful as immunogens, vaccines, adjuvants, and the like. Methods of inducing immune responses, and for targeted induction of TLR activation are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for bacterial production of pure single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) composed of custom sequence and size have been developed. The methods enable scalability and bio-orthogonality in applications of scaffolded DNA origami, offering one-step purification of large quantities of pure ssDNA amendable for immediate folding of DNA nanoparticles. The methods produce pure ssDNA directly from bacteria. In some embodiments the E. coli helper strain M13cp combined with a phagemid carrying only an f1-origin allows for, without the need for additional purification from contaminating dsDNA. This system is useful for generalized circular ssDNA synthesis, and here is applied to the assembly of DNA nanoparticles folded both in vitro and direct from phage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for bacterial production of pure single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) composed of custom sequence and size have been developed. The methods enable scalability and bio-orthogonality in applications of scaffolded DNA origami, offering one-step purification of large quantities of pure ssDNA amendable for immediate folding of DNA nanoparticles. The methods produce pure ssDNA directly from bacteria. In some embodiments the E. coli helper strain M13cp combined with a phagemid carrying only an f1 -origin allows for, without the need for additional purification from contaminating dsDNA. This system is useful for generalized circular ssDNA synthesis, and here is applied to the assembly of DNA nanoparticles folded both in vitro and direct from phage.