Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
07:59
Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
15.2K
Programmed Switching of Single Polymer Conformation on DNA Origami
Abhichart Krissanaprasit1, Mikael Madsen, Jakob Bach Knudsen
1School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi , Bangkhuntien Campus, Bangkok 10150, Thailand.
ACS Nano
|January 15, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a DNA nanomechanical device to precisely control single polymer molecule shapes. This breakthrough enables reconfigurable nanodevices by switching polymer conformations on DNA origami scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- DNA nanotechnology enables precise material positioning.
- Nanomechanical devices are emerging for material manipulation.
- Controlling single polymer molecule conformation is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanomechanical device for switching single-molecule conjugated polymer positions.
- To demonstrate controlled conformational changes of polymers on DNA origami.
- To explore applications in reconfigurable nanophotonic and nanoelectronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Functionalizing conjugated polymers with single-stranded (ss) DNA handles.
- Aligning DNA-polymer conjugates on DNA origami using ssDNA tracks and guiding strands.
- Utilizing toehold-mediated strand displacement for conformational switching.
- Observing switching via atomic force microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Main Results:
- Achieved precise alignment of DNA-polymer conjugates in three defined geometries.
- Demonstrated successful switching of polymer conformation between left- and right-turned states.
- Confirmed switching using AFM and FRET measurements.
- Showcased repeatable switching for at least six cycles.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel nanomechanical device for controlled polymer conformation switching.
- Established a method for precise shape control of single polymer molecules.
- This technology offers a new component for reconfigurable nanophotonic and nanoelectronic systems.
Related Concept Videos
03:01The Replisome
39.5K
DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...
39.5K
02:53Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation
7.3K
Because the DNA segments are cut and reorganized in a direction-specific manner, site-specific recombination has emerged as an efficient genetic engineering technique. Flippase and Cyclization recombinases or Flp and Cre, respectively, are two members of the tyrosine recombinase family derived from bacteriophages, that are used to mediate site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and targeted expression of proteins in mammalian cell lines.
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...
7.3K
02:10Translesion DNA Polymerases
11.6K
Translesion (TLS) polymerases rescue stalled DNA polymerases at sites of damaged bases by replacing the replicative polymerase and installing a nucleotide across the damaged site. Doing so, TLS allows additional time for the cell to repair the damage before resuming regular DNA replication.
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...
11.6K