Single-molecule four-color FRET visualizes energy-transfer paths on DNA origami

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Mar 30;133(12):4193-5. doi: 10.1021/ja1105464. Epub 2011 Jan 20.

Abstract

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) represents a mechanism to transport light energy at the nanoscale, as exemplified by nature's light-harvesting complexes. Here we used DNA origami to arrange fluorophores that transport excited-state energy from an input dye to an output dye. We demonstrate that energy-transfer paths can be controlled on the single-molecule level by the presence of a "jumper" dye that directs the excited-state energy either to a red or to an IR output dye. We used single-molecule four-color FRET with alternating laser excitation to sort subpopulations and to visualize the control of energy transfer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Color
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • DNA