Researchers at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford utilized DNA origami to build a motor capable of traversing a network of tracks and switches. This technology demonstrates the capability of nanoscale devices to function autonomously, and may pave the way for even more complex systems.
Kyoto, Japan — Expanding on previous work with engines traveling on straight tracks, a team of researchers at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have successfully used DNA building blocks to construct a motor capable of navigating a programmable network of tracks with multiple switches. The findings, published in the January 22 online edition of the journal Nature Nanotechnology, are expected to lead to further developments in the field of nanoengineering.
The research utilizes the technology of DNA origami, where strands of DNA molecules are sequenced in a way that will cause them to self-assemble into desired 2D and even 3D structures. In this latest effort, the scientists built a network of tracks and switches atop DNA origami tiles, which made it possible for motor molecules to travel along these rail systems.
“We have demonstrated that it is not only possible to build nanoscale devices that function autonomously,” explained Dr. Masayuki Endo of Kyoto University’s Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), “but that we can cause such devices to produce predictable outputs based on different, controllable starting conditions.”
The team, including lead author Dr. Shelley Wickham at Oxford, expects that the work may lead to the development of even more complex systems, such as programmable molecular assembly lines and sophisticated sensors.
This research is published as “A DNA-based molecular motor that can navigate a network of tracks” in Nature Nanotechnology and in the Kyoto University Research Information Repository (KURENAI).
Reference: “A DNA-based molecular motor that can navigate a network of tracks” by Shelley F. J. Wickham, Jonathan Bath, Yousuke Katsuda, Masayuki Endo, Kumi Hidaka, Hiroshi Sugiyama and Andrew J. Turberfield, 22 January 2012, Nature Nanotechnology.
DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2011.253
Never miss a breakthrough: Join the SciTechDaily newsletter.
Follow us on Google and Google News.