In recent years, DNA nanotechnology has matured to enable robust production of complex nanostructures and hybrid materials. We have combined DNA nanotechnology with sensitive optical detection to create functional single-molecule devices that enable new applications in single-molecule biophysics and biosensing. To improve the sensitivity of DNA detection assays, we created DNA origami optical antennas for metal enhanced fluorescence. We first discuss the influence of the metal nanostructure on the photophysical properties of dyes. We then show how that single molecules can even be detected on a battery-driven portable smartphone microscope using DNA origami nanoantennas. Further applications including self-healing nanostructures as brightness references, a molecular force clamp as well as isotropic nanometer-resolution superresolution are presented.

Hôte : Dominique Bourgeois (IBS/groupe Imagerie intégrée de la réponse au stress)