Affinity based self-assembly systems and devices for photonic and electronic applications

Abstract

This invention relates to methodologies and techniques that utilize programmable functionalized self-assembling nucleic acids, nucleic acid modified structures, and other selective affinity or binding moieties as building blocks for creating molecular electronic and photonic mechanisms; organizing, assembling, and interconnecting nanostructures, submicron- and micron-sized components onto silicon or other materials; organizing, assembling, and interconnecting nanostructures, submicron- and micron-sized components within perimeters of microelectronic or optoelectronic components/devices; and creating and manufacturing photonic and electronic structures, devices, and systems. In one aspect of this invention, a method for forming a multiple identity substrate material is provided comprising the steps of: providing a first affinity sequence at multiple locations on a support, providing a functionalized second affinity sequence, which reacts with the first affinity sequence, and has an unhybridized overhang sequence, and selectively cross-linking first affinity sequences and second affinity sequences.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for forming a multiple identity substrate material comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first affinity sequence at multiple locations on a support;    providing a functionalized second affinity sequence, which reacts with the first affinity sequence, and has an unhybridized overhang sequence; and    selectively cross-linking first affinity sequences and second affinity sequences.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-linking is performed by UV irradiation of psoralen.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one location on the support with the first affinity sequence is masked to prevent cross-linking of the first and second affinity sequences.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first affinity sequence is covalently attached to the support.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the support is reacted with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) reagent before the first affinity sequence is attached.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first affinity sequence is reacted to form a dialdehyde group at a terminal position of the first affinity sequence.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: 
 dehybridizing the second affinity sequences that are not cross-linked;    providing a functionalized third affinity sequence, which reacts with the second affinity sequence, and has an unhybridized overhang sequence; and    selectively cross-linking the second and third affinity sequences.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cross-linking is performed by UV irradiation with psoralen.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein at least one location on the support is masked to prevent cross-linking of the second and third affinity sequences.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a fourth affinity sequence that hybridizes with the first affinity sequence and includes a fluorescent label.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a fifth affinity sequence that hybridizes with the second affinity sequence and includes a fluorescent label.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising a sixth affinity sequence that hybridizes with the third affinity sequence and includes a fluorescent label