Cooperative control of a DNA origami force sensor

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Biomolecular systems rely on complex forces, often studied using force spectroscopy.
• Existing techniques like optical tweezers and atomic force microscopy have limitations in crowded or constrained environments.

Approach:

• Developed a nanoscale force-sensing device, NanoDyn, utilizing DNA origami.
• NanoDyn functions as a binary (open/closed) sensor with tunable picoNewton transition forces.
• Customizable geometry, functionalization, and mechanical properties allow for tailored applications.

Key Points:

• The transition force of NanoDyn is tunable by altering 1-3 DNA oligonucleotides, spanning tens of picoNewtons.
• Actuation is reversible, with higher stability designs (≳10 pN) showing more reliable resetting.
• Opening force can be adjusted in real-time by adding a single DNA oligonucleotide.

Conclusions:

• NanoDyn is established as a versatile nanoscale force sensor.
• Provides fundamental insights into how design parameters influence mechanical and dynamic properties of DNA origami-based devices.
• Enables advanced force measurements in challenging biomolecular research settings.