A team of researchers at the University of Sydney Nano Institute has unveiled groundbreaking advancements in molecular robotics, utilising DNA origami to create programmable nanostructures.
This innovative approach has wide-ranging implications, from precision drug delivery to adaptive materials and energy-efficient optical processing.
The study, published today in Science Robotics, demonstrates how DNA, the fundamental building block of life, can be folded into intricate three-dimensional structures.
By employing “DNA origami,” the researchers have crafted over 50 nanoscale objects, including a “nano-dinosaur,” a “dancing robot,” and a miniature map of Australia, each about 150 nanometres wide – roughly a thousand times thinner than a human hair.
Dr Minh Tri Luu, the study’s first author, and Dr Shelley Wickham, the research team leader, spearheaded the project. Their work centres on developing modular DNA origami “voxels,” which are akin to three-dimensional pixels.
These voxels can be assembled into complex structures with programmable functions, a key innovation for synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and materials science.
“The results are a bit like using Meccano or creating a chain-like cat’s cradle, but at a nanoscale level,” explained Dr Wickham, who holds a joint appointment with the University’s Schools of Chemistry and Physics.
“But instead of macroscale metal or string, we use nanoscale biology to build robots with huge potential.”
The team’s approach incorporates additional DNA strands on the exterior of the nanostructures. These strands act as binding sites, likened to Velcro, where only complementary “colours” – or DNA sequences – can connect.
“We’ve created a new class of nanomaterials with adjustable properties, enabling diverse applications – from adaptive materials that change optical properties in response to the environment to autonomous nanorobots designed to seek out and destroy cancer cells,” said Dr Luu.
Beyond medicine, the team envisions new materials responsive to environmental changes. For example, structures could adapt their properties to handle greater loads or shift characteristics in response to temperature or pH changes.
“This work enables us to imagine a world where nanobots can tackle a huge range of tasks, from treating diseases to advancing electronics,” said Dr. Wickham.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential for energy-efficient optical signal processing, with applications in medical diagnostics and security.
By leveraging DNA origami, these technologies could improve speed and accuracy in image verification and other optical systems.
Dr Luu emphasised the broad implications of their findings: “Our work demonstrates the incredible potential of DNA origami to create versatile and programmable nanostructures. This opens new avenues for innovation across nanotechnology.”
Dr Wickham added, “The results are a bit like using Meccano, the children’s engineering toy, or building a chain-like cat’s cradle. But instead of macroscale metal or string, we use nanoscale biology to build robots with huge potential.”
