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Benson E, Marzo RC, Bath J, Turberfield AJ
Sci Robot 7 (65) eabn5459 [2022-04-20; online 2022-04-20]
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.
PubMed 35442702
DOI 10.1126/scirobotics.abn5459
Crossref 10.1126/scirobotics.abn5459