scholarly journals DNA Origami Nanomachines

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masayuki Endo ◽  
Hiroshi Sugiyama

DNA can assemble various molecules and nanomaterials in a programmed fashion and is a powerful tool in the nanotechnology and biology research fields. DNA also allows the construction of desired nanoscale structures via the design of DNA sequences. Structural nanotechnology, especially DNA origami, is widely used to design and create functionalized nanostructures and devices. In addition, DNA molecular machines have been created and are operated by specific DNA strands and external stimuli to perform linear, rotational, and reciprocating movements. Furthermore, complicated molecular systems have been created on DNA nanostructures by arranging multiple molecules and molecular machines precisely to mimic biological systems. Currently, DNA nanomachines, such as molecular motors, are operated on DNA nanostructures. Dynamic DNA nanostructures that have a mechanically controllable system have also been developed. In this review, we describe recent research on new DNA nanomachines and nanosystems that were built on designed DNA nanostructures.

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heini Ijäs ◽  
Sami Nummelin ◽  
Boxuan Shen ◽  
Mauri Kostiainen ◽  
Veikko Linko

DNA nanotechnology provides an excellent foundation for diverse nanoscale structures that can be used in various bioapplications and materials research. Among all existing DNA assembly techniques, DNA origami proves to be the most robust one for creating custom nanoshapes. Since its invention in 2006, building from the bottom up using DNA advanced drastically, and therefore, more and more complex DNA-based systems became accessible. So far, the vast majority of the demonstrated DNA origami frameworks are static by nature; however, there also exist dynamic DNA origami devices that are increasingly coming into view. In this review, we discuss DNA origami nanostructures that exhibit controlled translational or rotational movement when triggered by predefined DNA sequences, various molecular interactions, and/or external stimuli such as light, pH, temperature, and electromagnetic fields. The rapid evolution of such dynamic DNA origami tools will undoubtedly have a significant impact on molecular-scale precision measurements, targeted drug delivery and diagnostics; however, they can also play a role in the development of optical/plasmonic sensors, nanophotonic devices, and nanorobotics for numerous different tasks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Cazenille ◽  
A. Baccouche ◽  
N. Aubert-Kato

Finding DNA sequences capable of folding into specific nanostructures is a hard problem, as it involves very large search spaces and complex nonlinear dynamics. Typical methods to solve it aim to reduce the search space by minimizing unwanted interactions through restrictions on the design (e.g. staples in DNA origami or voxel-based designs in DNA Bricks). Here, we present a novel methodology that aims to reduce this search space by identifying the relevant properties of a given assembly system to the emergence of various families of structures (e.g. simple structures, polymers, branched structures). For a given set of DNA strands, our approach automatically finds chemical reaction networks (CRNs) that generate sets of structures exhibiting ranges of specific user-specified properties, such as length and type of structures or their frequency of occurrence. For each set, we enumerate the possible DNA structures that can be generated through domain-level interactions, identify the most prevalent structures, find the best-performing sequence sets to the emergence of target structures, and assess CRNs' robustness to the removal of reaction pathways. Our results suggest a connection between the characteristics of DNA strands and the distribution of generated structure families.


MRS Bulletin ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 671-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongbo Li ◽  
Walter F. Paxton ◽  
Ray H. Baughman ◽  
Tony Jun Huang ◽  
J. Fraser Stoddart ◽  
...  

AbstractRecent developments in chemical synthesis, nanoscale assembly, and molecular-scale measurements enable the extension of the concept of macroscopic machines to the molecular and supramolecular levels. Molecular machines are capable of performing mechanical movements in response to external stimuli. They offer the potential to couple electrical or other forms of energy to mechanical action at the nano- and molecular scales. Working hierarchically and in concert, they can form actuators referred to as artificial muscles, in analogy to biological systems. We describe the principles behind driven motion and assembly at the molecular scale and recent advances in the field of molecular-level electromechanical machines, molecular motors, and artificial muscles. We discuss the challenges and successes in making these assemblies work cooperatively to function at larger scales.


Nanoscale ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (29) ◽  
pp. 13994-13999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janane F. Rahbani ◽  
John C. C. Hsu ◽  
Pongphak Chidchob ◽  
Hanadi F. Sleiman

Long DNA strands consisting of repetitive sequences are valuable tools to build organized DNA nanostructures. This approach produces higher-order origami structures with prescribed length and addressability and provides a unique platform for the modular re-organization of any of their parts.


Author(s):  
Heini Ijäs ◽  
Sami Nummelin ◽  
Boxuan Shen ◽  
Mauri A. Kostiainen ◽  
Veikko Linko

Structural DNA nanotechnology provides an excellent foundation for diverse nanoscale shapes that can be used in various bioapplications and materials research. From all existing DNA assembly techniques, DNA origami has proven to be the most robust one for creating custom nanoshapes. Since its invention in 2006, building from the bottom up using DNA has drastically advanced, and therefore, more and more complex DNA-based systems have become accessible. So far, vast majority of the demonstrated DNA origami frameworks are static by nature, but interestingly, there also exist dynamic DNA origami devices that are increasingly coming into view. In this review, we discuss DNA origami nanostructures that perform controlled translational or rotational movement triggered by predefined DNA strands, various molecular interactions and/or other external stimuli such as light, pH, temperature and electromagnetic fields. The rapid evolution of such dynamic DNA origami tools will undoubtedly have a significant impact on molecular scale precision measurements, targeted drug delivery and diagnostics, but they can also play a role in development of optical/plasmonic sensors, nanophotonic devices and nanorobotics for numerous different tasks.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1413
Author(s):  
Sofia Ojasalo ◽  
Petteri Piskunen ◽  
Boxuan Shen ◽  
Mauri A. Kostiainen ◽  
Veikko Linko

Viruses are among the most intriguing nanostructures found in nature. Their atomically precise shapes and unique biological properties, especially in protecting and transferring genetic information, have enabled a plethora of biomedical applications. On the other hand, structural DNA nanotechnology has recently emerged as a highly useful tool to create programmable nanoscale structures. They can be extended to user defined devices to exhibit a wide range of static, as well as dynamic functions. In this review, we feature the recent development of virus-DNA hybrid materials. Such structures exhibit the best features of both worlds by combining the biological properties of viruses with the highly controlled assembly properties of DNA. We present how the DNA shapes can act as “structured” genomic material and direct the formation of virus capsid proteins or be encapsulated inside symmetrical capsids. Tobacco mosaic virus-DNA hybrids are discussed as the examples of dynamic systems and directed formation of conjugates. Finally, we highlight virus-mimicking approaches based on lipid- and protein-coated DNA structures that may elicit enhanced stability, immunocompatibility and delivery properties. This development also paves the way for DNA-based vaccines as the programmable nano-objects can be used for controlling immune cell activation.


Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ae-Ree Lee ◽  
Na-Hyun Kim ◽  
Yeo-Jin Seo ◽  
Seo-Ree Choi ◽  
Joon-Hwa Lee

Z-DNA is stabilized by various Z-DNA binding proteins (ZBPs) that play important roles in RNA editing, innate immune response, and viral infection. In this review, the structural and dynamics of various ZBPs complexed with Z-DNA are summarized to better understand the mechanisms by which ZBPs selectively recognize d(CG)-repeat DNA sequences in genomic DNA and efficiently convert them to left-handed Z-DNA to achieve their biological function. The intermolecular interaction of ZBPs with Z-DNA strands is mediated through a single continuous recognition surface which consists of an α3 helix and a β-hairpin. In the ZBP-Z-DNA complexes, three identical, conserved residues (N173, Y177, and W195 in the Zα domain of human ADAR1) play central roles in the interaction with Z-DNA. ZBPs convert a 6-base DNA pair to a Z-form helix via the B-Z transition mechanism in which the ZBP first binds to B-DNA and then shifts the equilibrium from B-DNA to Z-DNA, a conformation that is then selectively stabilized by the additional binding of a second ZBP molecule. During B-Z transition, ZBPs selectively recognize the alternating d(CG)n sequence and convert it to a Z-form helix in long genomic DNA through multiple sequence discrimination steps. In addition, the intermediate complex formed by ZBPs and B-DNA, which is modulated by varying conditions, determines the degree of B-Z transition.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L. Miller ◽  
Sonia Contera ◽  
Adam J.M. Wollman ◽  
Adam Hirst ◽  
Katherine E. Dunn ◽  
...  

AbstractIntercalation of drug molecules into synthetic DNA nanostructures formed through self-assembled origami has been postulated as a valuable future method for targeted drug delivery. This is due to the excellent biocompatibility of synthetic DNA nanostructures, and high potential for flexible programmability including facile drug release into or near to target cells. Such favourable properties may enable high initial loading and efficient release for a predictable number of drug molecules per nanostructure carrier, important for efficient delivery of safe and effective drug doses to minimise non-specific release away from target cells. However, basic questions remain as to how intercalation-mediated loading depends on the DNA carrier structure. Here we use the interaction of dyes YOYO-1 and acridine orange with a tightly-packed 2D DNA origami tile as a simple model system to investigate intercalation-mediated loading. We employed multiple biophysical techniques including single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gel electrophoresis and controllable damage using low temperature plasma on synthetic DNA origami samples. Our results indicate that not all potential DNA binding sites are accessible for dye intercalation, which has implications for future DNA nanostructures designed for targeted drug delivery.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 328-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Goychuk

The main physical features and operating principles of isothermal nanomachines in the microworld, common to both classical and quantum machines, are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the dual, constructive role of dissipation and thermal fluctuations, the fluctuation–dissipation theorem, heat losses and free energy transduction, thermodynamic efficiency, and thermodynamic efficiency at maximum power. Several basic models are considered and discussed to highlight generic physical features. This work examines some common fallacies that continue to plague the literature. In particular, the erroneous beliefs that one should minimize friction and lower the temperature for high performance of Brownian machines, and that the thermodynamic efficiency at maximum power cannot exceed one-half are discussed. The emerging topic of anomalous molecular motors operating subdiffusively but very efficiently in the viscoelastic environment of living cells is also discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (38) ◽  
pp. 9405-9413 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Dean Astumian

Recent developments in synthetic molecular motors and pumps have sprung from a remarkable confluence of experiment and theory. Synthetic accomplishments have facilitated the ability to design and create molecules, many of them featuring mechanically bonded components, to carry out specific functions in their environment—walking along a polymeric track, unidirectional circling of one ring about another, synthesizing stereoisomers according to an external protocol, or pumping rings onto a long rod-like molecule to form and maintain high-energy, complex, nonequilibrium structures from simpler antecedents. Progress in the theory of nanoscale stochastic thermodynamics, specifically the generalization and extension of the principle of microscopic reversibility to the single-molecule regime, has enhanced the understanding of the design requirements for achieving strong unidirectional motion and high efficiency of these synthetic molecular machines for harnessing energy from external fluctuations to carry out mechanical and/or chemical functions in their environment. A key insight is that the interaction between the fluctuations and the transition state energies plays a central role in determining the steady-state concentrations. Kinetic asymmetry, a requirement for stochastic adaptation, occurs when there is an imbalance in the effect of the fluctuations on the forward and reverse rate constants. Because of strong viscosity, the motions of the machine can be viewed as mechanical equilibrium processes where mechanical resonances are simply impossible but where the probability distributions for the state occupancies and trajectories are very different from those that would be expected at thermodynamic equilibrium.


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