DNA-Controlled Spatiotemporal Patterning of a Cytoskeletal Active Gel

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Soft Matter Physics
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Cellular movement and shape changes are driven by chemical reactions altering the cytoskeleton, an active gel converting chemical energy into mechanical forces.
• Engineering active gels with controllable chemical pathways is crucial for creating life-like materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop DNA-responsive surfaces for controlling the activity of microtubule-based cytoskeletal active gels.
• To investigate how DNA signals can actuate and structure active gels.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of DNA-responsive surfaces.
• Utilizing DNA signals to trigger the release of molecular motors from surfaces into the gel bulk.
• Observing gel structuration via microscopy and varying DNA sequence and concentration.

Main Results:

• DNA signals successfully triggered the release of molecular motors, generating forces that structured the active gel.
• The active gel formed either periodic band patterns or contracted globally, depending on DNA sequence and concentration.
• Spatially controlled structuration of the active gel was achieved using a DNA concentration gradient.

Conclusions:

• DNA-responsive surfaces offer a method to control active gel behavior.
• This approach enables the creation of dynamic, life-like materials with self-shaping capabilities.
• The findings contribute to the development of advanced active matter for future material applications.