Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: July 8, 2013
DNA Origami Nanoplate-Based Emulsion with Nanopore Function
Daisuke Ishikawa1, Yuki Suzuki2, Chikako Kurokawa3
1Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8502, Japan.
Abstract:
Bio-inspired functional microcapsules have attracted increasing attention in many fields from physical/chemical science to artificial-cell engineering. Although particle-stabilised microcapsules are advantageous for their stability and functionalisation potential, versatile methods for their functionalisation are desired to expand their possibilities. This study reports a water-in-oil microdroplet stabilised with amphiphilic DNA origami nanoplates. By utilising DNA nanotechnology, DNA nanoplates were designed as a nanopore device for ion transportation and to stabilise the oil-water interface. Microscopic examination revealed the microcapsule formed by the accumulation of amphiphilic DNA nanoplates at the oil-water interface. Ion current measurements revealed the nanoplate pores functioned as channel to transport ions. These findings provide a general strategy for the programmable design of microcapsules to engineer artificial cells and molecular robots.
Related Concept Videos
DNA Base Pairing
DNA Base Pairing
Base-pairing and DNA Repair
From DNA to Protein
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
DNA Helicases

