Tiny robots built from DNA
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Researchers are designing custom DNA to fold into microscopic robots.
Scientists at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have engineered a groundbreaking approach to constructing nanostructures using DNA origami, controlling DNA’s natural folding properties to create nanoscale designs.
The research could drive advancements in targeted drug delivery, synthetic biology, and responsive materials.
Led by Dr Minh Tri Luu and Dr Shelley Wickham, the research team has produced more than 50 nanoscale objects, including a map of Australia, miniature dinosaurs, and a robot-like structure.
At just 150 nanometres wide, these objects show the precision possible with the “voxel” model - a three-dimensional equivalent of pixels.
Dr Wickham likened the process to assembling Meccano at a molecular level.
“Instead of macroscale metal or string, we use nanoscale biology to build robots with huge potential,” she said.
The researchers developed modular DNA origami voxels featuring programmable binding sites.
Dubbed ‘Velcro DNA’, these strands selectively bind based on complementary sequences, ensuring precise construction.
“These sites act like Velcro with different colours, designed so that only strands with matching ‘colours’ connect,” Dr Luu said.
The method enables rapid prototyping of tailored nanostructures, ideal for creating devices responsive to environmental changes like temperature or acidity.
Such materials have applications in medicine, computing, and electronics, potentially revolutionising cancer treatment by precisely targeting drug delivery.
Beyond medicine, the team is exploring optical signal processing to enhance speed and accuracy in imaging and diagnostics. The nanostructures could also contribute to energy-efficient technologies.
“Our work demonstrates the incredible potential of DNA to create programmable nanostructures, opening new avenues for nanotechnology innovation,” Dr Luu said.
More details are accessible here.
