DNAMAKER · Molecular additive manufacturing through DNA nanotechnology

In the last decades, DNA nanotechnology has been established as a robust method for the production of static, large two- and three-dimensional structures as well as dynamic systems based on the interaction of multiple small strands through strand displacement. In the proposed project, Dr. Erik Benson will join Professor Turberfield’s group to develop the first demonstration of atomically precise manufacturing based on DNA nanotechnology. In his Ph.D. studies, Erik developed methods for the design of wireframe DNA nanostructures and used several experimental techniques to study their assembly. He will combine these skills with Professor Turberfield’s expertise in DNA nanomachines and dynamic DNA toehold systems to develop a first-generation molecular printer. The printer will be constructed by DNA origami, and consist of a guide rail that host a sliding write head whose movements are externally controlled by the introduction of DNA strands. The addition of activator strands will trigger a DNA hybridization catalyst placed at the tip of the write head, causing it to modify the target surface at the precisely determined positions. The principles developed in this project can be expanded into two and three dimensions by the connection of multiple linear motors. The development of robust, externally controlled linear motion at the nanoscale can also find application in other fields including nano-manipulation, biophysics, and controlled catalysis.