Synthesis and self-assembly of DNA-chromophore hybrid amphiphiles.

DNA based spherical nanostructures are one of the promising nanostructures for several biomedical and biotechnological applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and DNA-directed surface addressability. Herein, we report the synthesis and amphiphilicity-driven self-assembly of two classes of DNA (hydrophilic)-chromophore (hydrophobic) hybrid amphiphiles into spherical nanostructures. A solid-phase "click" chemistry based modular approach is demonstrated for the synthesis of DNA-chromophore amphiphiles.