Molecular programs and active matter appear as two key ingredients for the emergence of shape in living systems. The former process chemical information, while the latter generates long-range mechanical forces. The coupling of these two elements is thus essential for the synthesis of life-like materials. Here, we describe the preparation of DNA-responsive surfaces that shape a cm-scale tridimensional active gel comprised of microtubules: a DNA signal triggers the gel, structuring it into a periodic band pattern or local aggregates, depending on its sequence and concentration. Finally, we show how a gradient of DNA concentration transfers its positional information to the active gel, mimicking chemo-mechanical patterning promoted by morphogens during embryo development. We anticipate that such DNA-controlled active matter will contribute to the development of life-like materials with self-shaping properties.
DNA-controlled Spatio-temporal Patterning of Active Matter
