DNA nanomechanical devices

Seeman NC (2005). From genes to machines DNA nanomechanical devices. Trends Biochem. Sci. 30 119-125. 

Applying short ssDNA strands that selectively interact with a specific part of a molecular device is another method to make the device move. A robust rotary device was developed based on multiple crossover motifs [91]. The motivity of the device was the reversible binding of DNA strands. The central axis consists of a couple of ssDNA sections. The conformation of the two ssDNA strands can readily be switched between a PX conformation and its topoisomer conformation. The ssDNA strand replacement can cause the interconversion between the two conformations, and results in an 180° rotation of the end of one strand. This work showed that a rotary nanomechanical device is capable of being cycled by the addition of strands that direct its structure (Fig. 12a). As an application of the DNA nanodevice, a unique DNA nanomechanical device that enables the positional synthesis of products whose sequences are determined by the state of the device has been... 

Recent advances of the Seeman group led to the construction of a nanomechanical device from DNA [89]. In this molecular apparatus, the ion-dependent transition of B-DNA into the Z-conformation is used to alter the distance between two DNA DX domains attached to the switchable double helix. Atomic displacements of about 2-6 nm were attained. Ionic switching of nanoparticles by means of DNA supercoiling has also been reported [53]. Additional advances regarding the use of DNA is nanomechanical devices have been reported by Fritz et al., who showed that an array of cantilevers can be used to... 

The combination of branched DNA molecules and sticky ends creates a powerful molecular assembly kit for structural DNA nanotechnology. Polyhedra, complex topological objects, a nanomechanical device and two-dimensional arrays with programmable surface features have already been produced in this way. Future apphcations range from macro-molecular crystallography and new materials to molecular electronics and DNA-based com-putation.f ... 

A large variety of nanomechanical devices have been produced from DNA. The most interesting ones are those that avail themselves of the programmability of DNA because they can be individually addressed, thereby enabling their states to be... 

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