A DNA molecular printer capable of programmable positioning and patterning in two dimensions

Journal article

Nanoscale manipulation and patterning usually require costly and sensitive top-down techniques such as those used in scanning probe microscopies or in semiconductor lithography. DNA nanotechnology enables exploration of bottom-up fabrication and has previously been used to design self-assembling components capable of linear and rotary motion. In this work, we combine three independently controllable DNA origami linear actuators to create a nanoscale robotic printer. The two-axis positioning mechanism comprises a moveable gantry, running on parallel rails, threading a mobile sleeve. We show that the device is capable of reversibly positioning a write head over a canvas through the addition of signaling oligonucleotides. We demonstrate “write” functionality by using the head to catalyze a local DNA strand–exchange reaction, selectively modifying pixels on a canvas. This work demonstrates the power of DNA nanotechnology for creating nanoscale robotic components and could find application in surface manufacturing, biophysical studies, and templated chemistry.

Authors: Benson, E; Carrascosa Marzo, R; Bath, J; Turberfield, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Journal: Science Robotics
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 65
• Article number: eabn5459
• Publication date: 2022-04-20
• Acceptance date: 2022-03-28
• DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abn5459
• EISSN: 2470-9476
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR