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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

DNA Origami-Mediated Substrate Nanopatterning of Inorganic Structures for Sensing Applications
Published on: September 27, 2019
Optical Voltage Sensing Using DNA Origami
Elisa A Hemmig1, Clare Fitzgerald1, Christopher Maffeo2
1Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics , University of Cambridge , JJ Thomson Avenue , Cambridge , CB3 0HE , United Kingdom.
Abstract:
We explore the potential of DNA nanotechnology for developing novel optical voltage sensing nanodevices that convert a local change of electric potential into optical signals. As a proof-of-concept of the sensing mechanism, we assembled voltage responsive DNA origami structures labeled with a single pair of FRET dyes. The DNA structures were reversibly immobilized on a nanocapillary tip and underwent controlled structural changes upon application of an electric field. The applied field was monitored through a change in FRET efficiency. By exchanging the position of a single dye, we could tune the voltage sensitivity of our DNA origami structure, demonstrating the flexibility and versatility of our approach. The experimental studies were complemented by coarse-grained simulations that characterized voltage-dependent elastic deformation of the DNA nanostructures and the associated change in the distance between the FRET pair. Our work opens a novel pathway for determining the mechanical properties of DNA origami structures and highlights potential applications of dynamic DNA nanostructures as voltage sensors.
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