Nanostructures pave the way for advanced robotics—and mini dinosaurs
Researchers at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have made a significant advance in the field of molecular robotics by developing custom-designed and programmable nanostructures 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 nanometers wide, a thousand times narrower than a human hair.
The research, led by first author Dr. Minh Tri Luu and research team leader Dr. Shelley Wickham, focuses on the creation of modular DNA origami "voxels" that can be assembled into complex three-dimensional structures. (Where a pixel is two-dimensional, a voxel is realized in 3D.)
These programmable nanostructures can be tailored for specific functions, allowing for rapid prototyping of diverse configurations. This flexibility is crucial for developing nanoscale robotic systems that can perform tasks in synthetic biology, nanomedicine and materials science.
Dr. Minh Luu aligning and focusing an image on the Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis transmission electron microscope to view a DNA origami nanostructure. Credit: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney
Dr. Shelley Wickham (left) and Dr. Minh Luu review an image from the T12 transmission electron microscope of the University of Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis facility. Credit: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney
Dr. Minh Luu (left) prepares to put a sample in the Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis transmission electron microscope with Dr. Shelley Wickham. Credit: Stefanie Zingsheim/University of Sydney