These devices range from DNA-based shape-shifting structures to gears and walkers, a DNA-stress gauge and even a translation device. The devices are activated by mechanisms as diverse as small molecules, proteins and, most intriguingly, other molecules of DNA.
Is DNA a nanomaterial?
DNA is recognized as a nanomaterial, not as a biological material, in the research field of nanotechnology. Therefore, the combinations of functional sequences of DNA can produce unique materials. It is obvious that the DNA molecule is one of the most promising functional nanomaterials.
How does DNA nanotechnology work?
DNA nanotechnology uses artificial nucleic acids as a non-biological engineering material for technological uses. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional crystal lattices, nanotubes, polyhedra and other shapes have all been created, as have functional devices such as molecular machines and DNA computers.
What are DNA nanostructures?
DNA nanostructures are nanoscale structures made of DNA, which acts both as a structural and functional element. DNA nanostructures can serve as scaffolds for the formation of more complex structures.
Why DNA is used in nanotechnology?
DNA is well-suited to nanoscale construction because the binding between two nucleic acid strands depends on simple base pairing rules which are well understood, and form the specific nanoscale structure of the nucleic acid double helix.
What is DNA nanotube?
The design of DNA nanotubes is a promising and hot research branch in structural DNA nanotechnology, which is rapidly developing as a versatile method for achieving subtle nanometer scale materials and molecular diagnostic/curative devices.
What is a DNA tile?
DNA tiles provide a promising technique for assembling structures with nanoscale resolution through self-assembly by basic interactions rather than top-down assembly of individual structures. Such algorithmic systems can even assemble different structures using the same tiles, based on inputs that seed the growth.
What is A DNA base?
Molecules called nucleotides, on opposite strands of the DNA double helix, that form chemical bonds with one another. These chemical bonds act like rungs in a ladder and help hold the two strands of DNA together. There are four nucleotides, or bases, in DNA: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).
What is the design of the nanomechanical device?
Figure 1: Design of the nanomechanical device. The device consists of two DNA double crossover (DX) molecules with the DAO motif 17 connected by 4.5 turns ofDNA between the nearest crossover points. Top, molecular model of the molecule constructed entirely from right-handed B-DNA.
What is a protein-based molecular machine?
Protein-based molecular machines, often driven by an energy source such as ATP, are abundant in biology 8, 9. It has been shown previously that branched motifs of DNA can provide components for the assembly of nanoscale objects 10, links 11 and arrays 12.
Can the B–z transition be used to drive a mechanical device?
It has been recognized for a long time that the B–Z transition could be used to drive a DNA-based mechanical device 15, but the development of such a device required the discovery of a rigid DNA motif to provide a fixed level arm: the rigidity of the DX molecule 16 is the key element that enables the construction of this device.
What is the difference between B-DNA and Z-DNA?
In conditions that favour B-DNA, the two unconnected domains of the DX molecules lie on the same side of the central helix. In Z-DNA-promoting conditions, however, these domains switch to opposite sides of the helix.
