Cooperative control of a DNA origami force sensor

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Engineering

Background:

• Biomolecular systems rely on intricate force interactions.
• Current force spectroscopy methods are limited in constrained environments.
• Nanomechanical devices offer a promising alternative for force sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a customizable nanoscale DNA origami device for force sensing.
• To explore the tunability of the device's mechanical and dynamic properties.
• To establish the NanoDyn as a versatile tool for biomolecular force interrogation.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated a DNA origami device (NanoDyn) with a binary response to force.
• Tuned the transition force by altering DNA oligonucleotide sequences.
• Investigated the effect of design parameters on device stability and reset efficiency.
• Demonstrated real-time tuning of the opening force.

Main Results:

• The NanoDyn device exhibits a reversible structural transition in response to applied force.
• Transition forces, spanning tens of picoNewtons, are tunable via minor DNA sequence modifications.
• Device stability and reliable resetting are influenced by DNA design parameters.
• Real-time force tuning is achievable by adding a single DNA oligonucleotide.

Conclusions:

• The NanoDyn device demonstrates significant potential as a versatile nanoscale force sensor.
• Design parameters critically modulate the mechanical and dynamic characteristics of the DNA origami device.
• This work provides fundamental insights into engineering nanomechanical devices for force spectroscopy.