Researchers at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in molecular robotics by creating innovative, programmable nanostructures through the use of DNA origami. This pioneering technique opens up a world of possibilities, paving the way for advancements in targeted drug delivery systems, responsive materials, and energy-efficient optical signal processing.
By utilizing ‘DNA origami,’ which leverages the inherent folding capabilities of DNA – the fundamental components of human life – researchers can construct novel and practical biological structures.
As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the team produced over 50 nanoscale creations, such as a ‘nano-dinosaur,’ a ‘dancing robot,’ and a miniature representation of Australia measuring 150 nanometers in width, which is a thousand times thinner than a human hair.
The study, led by primary author Dr. Minh Tri Luu along with research team leader Dr. Shelley Wickham, examines the development of modular DNA origami “voxels”. These innovative structures can be intricately assembled into sophisticated three-dimensional forms, expanding the possibilities of design and functionality.
These programmable nanostructures can be customized for particular functions, enabling the swift prototyping of various designs. This versatility is essential for creating nanoscale robotic systems capable of carrying out tasks in synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and materials science.
“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,” said Dr Wickham, who holds a joint position with the Schools of Chemistry and Physics in the Faculty of Science.
Dr Luu said: “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.”
To build the voxels, the team adds extra DNA strands to the surfaces of the nanostructures, which function as programmable binding sites.
Dr. Luu said: “These sites act like Velcro with different colors – designed so that only strands with matching ‘colors’ (in fact, complementary DNA sequences) can connect.”
This novel method offers unparalleled precision in how voxels interlink, facilitating the development of customizable and intricate structures. One of the most promising applications of this technology is the potential development of nanoscale robotic boxes designed to deliver drugs precisely to targeted areas within the body.
By leveraging DNA origami, researchers can engineer these nanobots to respond to specific biological cues, guaranteeing that medications are released exactly when and where they are needed. This targeted strategy holds the potential to significantly improve cancer treatment effectiveness while reducing unwanted side effects.
In addition to drug delivery, the researchers are exploring the development of new materials that can modify their properties in reaction to environmental factors. For example, these materials might be designed to respond to increased loads or change their structural attributes in response to fluctuations in temperature or acidity (pH) levels. These adaptive materials hold the promise to revolutionize the medical, computing, and electronics sectors.
“This work enables us to imagine a world where nanobots can get to work on a huge range of tasks, from treating the human body to building futuristic electronic devices,” Dr Wickham said.
The research team is exploring energy-efficient techniques for the processing of optical signals, which could enhance image verification technologies. By leveraging the remarkable properties of DNA origami, these systems stand to significantly enhance both the speed and accuracy of optical signal processing, which could lead to breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and security applications.
Dr Luu, a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Chemistry, said: “Our work demonstrates the incredible potential of DNA origami to create versatile and programmable nanostructures. The ability to design and assemble these components opens new avenues for innovation in nanotechnology.”
Dr. Wickham said: “This research not only highlights the capabilities of DNA nanostructures but also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing science. We are excited to see how our findings can be applied to real-world challenges in health, materials science, and energy.”
As researchers advance these technologies, the vision of creating adaptive nanomachines capable of functioning in complex environments—such as within the human body—is rapidly becoming a reality.
Journal reference:
- Minh Tri Luu, Jonathan F. Berengut, Jiahe Li, Jing-Bing Chen, Jasleen Kaur Daljit Singh, Kanako Coffi Dit Glieze, Matthew Turner, Karuna Skipper, Sreelakshmi Meppat, Hannah Fowler, William Close, Jonathan P. K. Doye, Ali Abbas, Shelley F. J. Wickham. Reconfigurable nanomaterials folded from multicomponent chains of DNA origami voxels. Science Robotics, 2024; DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adp2309