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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
07:59
Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
Folding of single-stranded circular DNA into rigid rectangular DNA accelerates its cellular uptake
Shozo Ohtsuki1, Yukako Shiba1, Tatsuoki Maezawa1
1Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan. makiya@rs.tus.ac.jp.
Nanoscale
|December 5, 2019
Summary
DNA nanostructures folded using DNA origami technology show increased cellular uptake. More rigid, highly folded DNA structures interact more efficiently with cells, offering control over DNA-cell interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Understanding DNA-cell interactions is crucial for biological activity, yet mechanisms remain unclear.
- DNA structural properties significantly influence cellular uptake and biological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between DNA nanostructure rigidity and cellular uptake.
- To explore the use of DNA origami technology for controlling DNA-cell interactions.
Main Methods:
- Designed and synthesized rectangular DNA (RecDNA) nanostructures of varying rigidity using DNA origami.
- Evaluated RecDNA interactions with mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells.
- Utilized flow cytometry, electrophoresis, and atomic force microscopy for analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced DNA nanostructures with high yield.
- Folding single-stranded DNA into RecDNA significantly enhanced cellular uptake.
- Demonstrated a positive correlation between nanostructure rigidity (number of staples) and cellular uptake.
Conclusions:
- Highly folded DNA nanostructures exhibit more efficient interaction with RAW264.7 cells compared to loosely folded ones.
- DNA origami technology enables control over DNA-cell interactions through structural folding.
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