Variable Control of DNA Nanostructures
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Date
2016-12
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Structural DNA nanotechnology is a promising approach for the fabrication of precise nanostructures with potential applications in drug delivery, disease detection, and templating or active assembly of nanoscale components. Current research has largely focused on static DNA nanostructures. To expand functional scope, the Nanoengineering and Biodesign Laboratory (NBL) is using a technique called DNA origami to develop nanoscale machinery with designed mechanical motion and establishing methods to control their behavior. This work focuses on controlling the dynamic behavior of DNA nanohinges by changing ionic conditions in solution. We modify the hinge design by adding additional single-stranded DNA overhangs on both arms that can close the hinge in the presence of a desired solution. Results consistently showed that hinges with complementary DNA overhangs closed more readily as solution ion concentration increased, with sensitivity to hinge stiffness, length of overhangs, number of overhang connections, and location of overhangs. We also designed and fabricated an oscillator hinge for the incorporation of two-way actuation mechanisms. These findings suggest that dynamic DNA nanostructures can be designed to interact predictably with a given ionic environment based on modified structural properties. Future experiments will include the further study of overhang spatial distribution and expansion of hinge actuation studies to real-time fluorescence trials. The oscillator hinge will be used for possible theranostic applications as well as for signal propagation through polymerized chains.
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Keywords
DNA origami, Nanotechnology, Ionic control, Dynamic nanostructure, Mechanical characterization