Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025

Designing a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: July 8, 2013
Encoding signal propagation on topology-programmed DNA origami
Wei Ji1, Xiewei Xiong1, Mengyao Cao1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes; Shanghai Center of Brain-inspired Intelligent Materials and Devices; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses; School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
This study introduces a DNA origami system that uses topological transformations for nanoscale signal processing. This programmable nanostructure enables dynamic control over molecular information flow, mimicking cellular systems.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- DNA Nanostructures
Background:
- Biological systems utilize topological transformations for molecular information processing.
- Understanding nanoscale signal propagation is crucial for synthetic biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a topology-programmed DNA origami system for nanoscale signal propagation.
- To demonstrate molecular implementation of topological operations for global conformational changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 'glue-cut' processes for topological operations on DNA origami.
- Engineered spatially arranged reactive DNA hairpins for signal transmission.
- Investigated signal propagation on varying path lengths, orientations, and curved surfaces.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated global conformational changes in DNA origami structures with defined topological properties (genus, boundary components, orientability).
- Achieved signal propagation across diverse transmission paths on 3D DNA origami.
- Showcased dynamic scaffolds regulating spatial and temporal signal propagation through topological transformations.
Conclusions:
- The developed DNA origami system provides a programmable route for nanoscale signal processing.
- This strategy enables the creation of dynamic nanostructures with controllable global transformations.
- Offers a general method for manufacturing advanced DNA origami for information processing applications.
Related Concept Videos
DNA as a Genetic Template
DNA Packaging
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
DNA Topoisomerases
Types and Mechanism of action
Topoisomerases are divided into two main types. ...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination
Lagging Strand Synthesis
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...

