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Folding and Characterization of a Bio-responsive Robot from DNA Origami
Published on: December 3, 2015
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Bioinspired reconfigurable cloverleaf DNA origami as a versatile platform for visual molecular detection
1Institute of Computing Science and Technology, Guangzhou University Guangzhou 510006 People's Republic of China.
RSC Advances
|September 24, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a dynamic DNA origami system that mimics natural processes for reconfigurable nanostructures. The bioinspired design allows for programmable molecular detection and self-assembly of complex nanoscale architectures.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomimetic Engineering
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- DNA origami has advanced from static to dynamic nanostructures.
- Programmable systems are crucial for sophisticated nanofabrication.
- Bioinspired designs offer novel functionalities in nanotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bioinspired cloverleaf DNA origami system.
- To enable structural reconfiguration, molecular detection, and higher-order assembly.
- To integrate biomimetic nanomechanics with visual molecular detection.
Main Methods:
- Design of two DNA origami structures: flexible Leaf4 and stable Lucky4.
- Characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and simulations (tacoxDNA, CanDo).
- Demonstration of topology transition via strand replacement and molecular sensing via split capture strands.
Main Results:
- Leaf4 demonstrated a water lily-like closure via apex strand replacement.
- Lucky4 functioned as a sensing platform, detecting target sequences via AFM.
- Two Lucky4 units assembled into taller sandwich structures upon target binding.
Conclusions:
- The cloverleaf DNA origami system exhibits biomimetic nanomechanics and structural reconfiguration.
- The system enables reversible molecular detection and programmable assembly.
- This work advances dynamic DNA origami for complex nanoscale applications.
