LAUSR

Polyelectrolyte microcapsules can be produced either by the layer-by-layer assembly technique or the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes at the liquid-liquid interface. Here, we describe the design and construction of DNA microcapsules using the cooperative assembly of DNA and amine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-NH2) at the oil-water interface. "Janus-like" DNA surfactants (DNASs) assemble in-situ at the interface, forming an elastic film. By controlling the jamming and unjamming behavior of DNASs, the interfacial assemblies can assume three different physical states: solid-like, elastomer-like and liquid-like, similar to that seen with thermoplastics upon heating, that change from a glassy to a rubbery and then a viscous liquid. By the interfacial jamming of DNASs, the liquid structures can be locked-in and reconfigured, showing promising potentials for drug delivery, biphasic reactors, and programmable liquid constructs.