Mechanics of dynamic and deformable DNA nanostructures

In DNA nanotechnology, DNA molecules are designed, engineered, and assembled into arbitrary-shaped architectures with predesigned functions. Static DNA assemblies often have delicate designs with structural rigidity to overcome thermal fluctuations. Dynamic structures reconfigure in response to exte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical science (Cambridge) 2023-08, Vol.14 (3), p.818-846
Main Authors: Li, Ruixin, Madhvacharyula, Anirudh S, Du, Yancheng, Adepu, Harshith K, Choi, Jong Hyun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Deformation
Deformation mechanisms
Design
DNA nanostructures
DNA self-assembly
Formability
Helicity
mechanical deformation
Mechanics
Mechanics (physics)
Nanostructure
Nanotechnology devices
Reconfiguration
structural properties
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Summary:In DNA nanotechnology, DNA molecules are designed, engineered, and assembled into arbitrary-shaped architectures with predesigned functions. Static DNA assemblies often have delicate designs with structural rigidity to overcome thermal fluctuations. Dynamic structures reconfigure in response to external cues, which have been explored to create functional nanodevices for environmental sensing and other applications. However, the precise control of reconfiguration dynamics has been a challenge due partly to flexible single-stranded DNA connections between moving parts. Deformable structures are special dynamic constructs with deformation on double-stranded parts and single-stranded hinges during transformation. These structures often have better control in programmed deformation. However, related deformability and mechanics including transformation mechanisms are not well understood or documented. In this review, we summarize the development of dynamic and deformable DNA nanostructures from a mechanical perspective. We present deformation mechanisms such as single-stranded DNA hinges with lock-and-release pairs, jack edges, helicity modulation, and external loading. Theoretical and computational models are discussed for understanding their associated deformations and mechanics. We elucidate the pros and cons of each model and recommend design processes based on the models. The design guidelines should be useful for those who have limited knowledge in mechanics as well as expert DNA designers. DNA nanotechnology has produced various static, dynamic, and deformable structures by engineering DNA molecules. Their structural mechanics and deformation behaviors are of great interest for developing functionalities and applications.
ISSN:2041-6520
2041-6539
DOI:10.1039/d3sc01793a