Polymorphic design of DNA origami structures through mechanical control of modular components

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Scaffolded DNA origami allows bottom-up fabrication of DNA nanostructures using numerous staple strands.
• Poor reusability of staple strands hinders efficient fabrication of diverse DNA constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a module-based design approach for creating DNA nanostructures with improved staple reusability.
• To enable precise control over geometry, flexibility, and stiffness of DNA origami shapes.

Main Methods:

• A rational module-based design strategy was employed to modify staple strand connectivity.
• Computational shape prediction and analysis were integrated to guide the design process.
• The approach allows for the construction of multiple hinge structures with minimal staple strand replacement.

Main Results:

• Successfully created distinct bent DNA origami shapes with controllable geometries and flexibilities.
• Demonstrated precise control over hinge location, stiffness, and included angle by revising staple connectivity.
• Achieved construction of dozens of single- or multiple-hinge structures with only up to 12.8% staple strand replacement.

Conclusions:

• The module-based design approach offers a versatile and cost-effective method for DNA origami fabrication.
• This strategy significantly improves staple strand reusability, addressing a major hurdle in DNA nanostructure design.
• Enables the creation of stiffness-tunable DNA origami units for advanced applications.