A Comprehensive Review of Self-Assembly Techniques Used to Fabricate as DNA Origami, Block Copolymers, and Colloidal Nanostructures

Abstract

: Self-assembly techniques play a pivotal role in the field of nanotechnology, enabling the spontaneous organization of individual building blocks into ordered nanostructures without external intervention. In DNA origami, the design and synthesis of DNA strands allow for precise folding into complex nanoarchitectures. This technique holds immense promise in nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, and nanophotonics, offering nanoscale precision and versatility in structural design. Block copolymers represent another fascinating self-assembly system, driven by phase separation and microdomain formation. Understanding and controlling the self-assembly behavior of block copolymers enable applications in nanolithography, nanopatterning, and nanofabrication, owing to their ability to generate well-defined nanostructures. Colloidal assembly is a versatile and powerful technique for fabricating ordered nanostructures and materials with precise control over their properties. The process involves the spontaneous arrangement of colloidal particles into well-defined structures at the microscale or larger, driven by interparticle interactions, Brownian motion, and entropic effects. As research and technology continue to progress, colloidal assembly holds promising opportunities for creating novel materials with applications in diverse fields, contributing to advancements in nanotechnology, optics, electronics, and biomedicine. The continuous exploration and development of colloidal assembly techniques will undoubtedly open new avenues for innovation and impact various areas of science and technology in the future. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assembly techniques used to fabricate nanostructures, focusing on DNA origami, block copolymers, and colloidal assembly. With a focus on DNA origami in particular, its uses in drug administration, biosensing, nanofabrication, and computational storage are introduced. There is also a discussion of the potential and difficulties involved in assembling and using DNA origami.