The Design, Construction and Applications of DNA Nanomachines

The distinct structural patterns of DNA along with the technology to synthesize a sizable amount of oligonucleotides make it possible to harness DNA as a powerful building-block for the construction of many different nanostructures of custom shapes and sizes. To make a DNA nanostructure, a long, single-stranded template DNA is combined with hundreds of short, synthetic “staple” strands in a buffer solution with specific temperature, pH, and salinity. [7] Because of our extensive understanding of the geometric and thermodynamic properties of DNA, we can easily predict the sequence patterns of short DNA segments that will complement the sequence patterns of the main DNA strand. Their ability to combine in a logical direction relies on the attractive force between the four base-pairs that are characteristic of DNA (adeninethymine, guanine-cytosine). When the strands are mixed and given time to self-assemble, a specific structure is formed. [12] The staple strands fold and bind the longer strand into the desired shape, a technique called DNA origami. This article will discuss the synthesis of oligonucleotides and the advantages and applications of DNA nanomachines. Specifically, DNA boxes capable of transporting nanomaterials or messages to and from target sites in a controlled manner. These DNA boxes may also be loaded with other materials through a variety of attachment chemistries to boost their functionality. [7] One of the structures that can be created through DNA origami is a nanorobot with the ability to load or unload nanocargo. An externally-controlled DNA nanorobot has the potential for the measured dispatch of nanocargo into, for example, a human cell. In addition to its many potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications, DNA nanomachines may be used anywhere that warrants a smart device smaller