DNA origami could create cancer-busting nanorobots

A nanoscale ‘dinosaur’ built using the new technique, imaged using the Thermo Glacios cryo-electron microscope at the University of Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility. The object – just 250 nanometers wide – was created as a proof-of-principle object in research by Dr Minh Tri Lu and Dr Shelley Wickham of the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute.

Molecular robotics researchers have created programmable, three-dimensional, nanoscale objects – such as a nanodinosaur, a dancing robot and a mini Australia – using ‘DNA origami’.

“We have created a new class of nanomaterials with adaptable properties,” says Dr. Minh Tri Luu from the University of Sydney in Australia, first author of the Science Robotics paper.

“[This will enable] diverse applications – from adaptive materials that change optical properties in response to the environment to autonomous nanorobots designed to… destroy cancer cells.”

DNA origami is a technique that folds DNA into complex 2- and 3-D shapes on a nanometer scale.

The innovative new approach creates DNA origami ‘voxels’ that can be assembled like 3D building blocks into complex structures. This is made possible by the extra DNA strands on the outside of the voxels, which act as programmable binding sites to connect them together.

“These sites act like different colored Velcro – designed so that only strands with matching ‘colors’ (complementary DNA sequences) can connect,” says Luu.

He says this allows precise control over how voxels bind together, enabling customizable, highly specific architectures.

The potential applications of this technology are broad.

These new materials could be used to create nanoscale robotic boxes designed to pop open only in response to specific biological signals. These could deliver drugs directly to specific areas in the body, increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatments while minimizing side effects.

The research team is also investigating the development of new materials capable of changing properties in response to different environmental cues. For example, such materials could be made to change their structures based on changes in temperature or pH levels.

“This work allows us to imagine a world where nanobots can tackle a wide range of tasks, from treating the human body to building futuristic electronic devices,” said Dr. Shelley Wickham, who led the research team. at the University of Sydney.