ABSTRACT
Functionalisation of colloidal particles with DNA provides a powerful and flexible path towards self-assembly of ordered materials. Given the nearly limitless possibilities for constructing DNA-functionalised particles, and the wide range of conditions under which they can be assembled, it is crucial to gain an understanding of the principles governing self-assembly of these particles and how their properties affect the structures produced. A number of computational models for DNA-functionalised systems have successfully described their properties, and molecular simulation techniques have provided a unique insight into the factors underlying their assembly. Here, we discuss a variety of efforts using simulations to solve an important design problem in DNA-mediated assembly: how the properties of individual DNA-functionalised particles affect their interactions with each other, and ultimately how these interactions determine what structures can be produced.
Disclosure statement
There are no conflicts of interest to declare.