Data for Preparation and characterisation of manganese, cobalt and zinc DNA nanoflowers with tuneable morphology, DNA content and size

DNA nanoflowers combine the high surface area and scaffolding of inorganic Mg2P2O7 nanocrystals with the targeting properties of DNA, whilst adding enzymatic stability and enhanced cellular uptake. We have investigated conditions for chemically modifying the inorganic core of these nanoflowers through substitution of Mg2+ with Mn2+, Co2+ or Zn2+ and have characterised the resulting particles.

These have a range of novel nanoarchitectures, retain the enzymatic stability of their magnesium counterparts and the Co2+ and Mn2+ DNA nanoflowers have added magnetic properties. We investigate conditions to control different morphologies, DNA content, hybridisation properties, and size. Additionally, we show that DNA nanoflower production is not limited to Ф29 DNA polymerase and that the choice of polymerase can influence the DNA length within the constructs.