DNA-based nano-sized machine for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Molecular engineers from the University of Arizona, the University of Bonn, and the University of Michigan (USA) have successfully developed an extremely small machine, similar to a molecular robot, that can move and operate synchronously. The research results were published on October 19, 2023 in the scientific journal Nature Nanotechnology.

The team developed a DNA-based nanomachine, measuring 70nm x 70nm x 12nm, that uses chemical energy to perform controlled movements.

This breakthrough shows the potential to create precise devices at the nanoscale, which could have applications in a wide range of fields such as high technology , medicine and materials science.

Simple machines are the basis for breakthroughs in applied research fields.

The structure of this nanomachine consists of nearly 14,000 nucleotides - the basic building blocks of DNA. Peter Schulz - the leader of the research team at the University of Arizona, emphasized that without the computer model of oxDNA that their team used, it would be impossible to simulate the movement of such a nanostructure. He said: "This is the first time we have succeeded in creating a chemically-powered machine based on the structure of DNA. We look forward to creating more complex nanodevices in the future."

The mechanism of the machine is similar to a gripping system, but millions of times smaller. It consists of two handles, connected by a V-shaped spring. Peter Schulz said that this breakthrough has promising applications in areas such as diagnosis, therapy, molecular robotics and the creation of new materials.

(according to Nature)

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