Amazing stuff!
"Researchers in the field of molecular robotics have created programmable, 3-dimensional nanoscale objects – such as a nano-dinosaur, dancing robot, and a mini-Australia – using “DNA origami”. ..."
"... This innovative approach has potential across a range of applications, from targeted drug delivery systems to responsive materials and energy-efficient optical signal processing. The method uses ‘DNA origami’, so-called as it uses the natural folding power of DNA, the building blocks of human life, to create new and useful biological structures.
As a proof-of-concept, the researchers made more than 50 nanoscale objects, including a ‘nano-dinosaur’, a ‘dancing robot’ and a mini-Australia that is 150 nanometres wide, a thousand times narrower than a human hair. ...
One of the most exciting applications of this technology is its potential to create nanoscale robotic boxes capable of delivering drugs directly to targeted areas within the body. By using DNA origami, researchers can design these nanobots to respond to specific biological signals, ensuring medications are released only when and where they are needed. This targeted approach could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments while minimising side effects. ...
the development of new materials that can change properties in response to environmental stimuli. For instance, these materials could be engineered to be responsive to higher loads or alter their structural characteristics based on changes in temperature or acidic (pH) levels. Such responsive materials have the potential to transform medical, computing and electronics industries. ..."
From the editor's summary and abstract:
"Editor’s summary
The development of synthetic molecular structures that can self-assemble into unique complex machines is a challenge. Inspired by protein folding, Luu et al. have developed a modular system of origami voxels made from DNA nanostructures. These voxels contain internal and external connections that can be switched between various states. They can be combined to form two-dimensional and three-dimensional hierarchical assemblies and be reconfigured into new shapes. The modular system could potentially be adapted for environment-adaptive switching and reconfiguration in response to temperature and pH. ...
Abstract
In cells, proteins rapidly self-assemble into sophisticated nanomachines. Bioinspired self-assembly approaches, such as DNA origami, have been used to achieve complex three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures and devices. However, current synthetic systems are limited by low yields in hierarchical assembly and challenges in rapid and efficient reconfiguration between diverse structures. Here, we developed a modular system of DNA origami “voxels” with programmable 3D connections. We demonstrate multifunctional pools of up to 12 unique voxels that can assemble into many shapes, prototyping 50 structures. Programmable switching of local connections between flexible and rigid states achieved rapid and reversible reconfiguration of global structures in three dimensions. Multistep assembly pathways were then explored to increase the yield. Voxels were assembled via flexible chain intermediates into rigid structures, increasing yield up to 100-fold. We envision that foldable chains of DNA origami voxels can achieve increased complexity in reconfigurable nanomaterials, providing modular components for the assembly of nanorobotic systems with future applications in synthetic biology, assembly of inorganic materials, and nanomedicine."
'Velcro' DNA origami helps build nanorobotic Meccano "Innovative structures pave the way for advanced robotics – and mini dinosaurs"
Researchers have built tiny dinosaurs and even a ‘mini Australia’ just 150 nanometres wide as a proof of concept.
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