An amphiphilic DNA self-assembles into star-shaped vesicles (asterosomes). The DNA hybrid is functionalized with lipophilic tetraphenylethylene residues and a trivalent GalNAc moiety.
The unique architecture is the result of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions between the DNA building blocks. Cryo-electron microscopy gives a detailed view on the arrangement of individual DNAs.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Robert Häner in collaboration with the group of Prof. Dr. Benoît Zuber (Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern).

References:

• S. Rothenbühler, I. Iacovache, S. M. Langenegger, B. Zuber, R. Häner;
  "Complex DNA Architectonics - Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Oligonucleotides into Ribbons, Vesicles, and Asterosomes"
  Bioconjugate Chem., 2023, 34(1), 70-77; doi:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00077.