Work

DNA‐Based Exciton Collider to Monitor Exciton Diffusion and Annihilation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: DNA‐based nanoscale architectures provide an attractive bottom‐up alternative to lithographic approaches for photonic device fabrication, offering molecular precision, intrinsic scalability, and biocompatibility. Here, we exploit these advantages to construct one‐dimensional photonic wires using DNA origami with up to nine precisely positioned organic dyes. Excitons are injected at both ends by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and diffuse along the wire, where their mutual encounters enhance single‐photon emission through singlet–singlet annihilation. Using picosecond time‐resolved photon antibunching (psTRAB) and simulations, we directly infer exciton dynamics on the level of single structures, reaching a quantitative understanding when taking into account spectral crosstalk arising from direct acceptor excitation as well as the underlying donor photophysics. We also identify a photostabilization mechanism driven by diffusive separation of excitons. Our results establish a design framework for DNA‐based excitonic elements and highlight the potential of DNA nanotechnology for nanoscale photonic structures.

Source: Small Structures

DOI: 10.1002/sstr.202500889

Authors: Tim Schröder, Philipp Wutz, John M. Lupton, Philip Tinnefeld, Jan Vogelsang

Institutions: Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Regensburg

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,110

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft