1, official report
For researchers? DNA origami? Design a nanometer scale? Robots? . It consists of three DNA? Origami? Structural composition, can exert high-precision external force on the receptors sensitive to mechanical stimulation on the cell surface, and its force accuracy can reach 1 piconewton (that is, one trillion newtons). Castro said that if these actions are carried out in the traditional way, it may take several minutes. He envisions that one day complex nanomaterials or biomolecular complexes can be manufactured in DNA-based nano-factories to detect and respond to the local environment. ?
2. What's this? DNA origami
DNA origami? Using the characteristics of base pairing of DNA molecules, the long-chain specific regions of natural DNA are folded and fixed with short chains to construct the required nanostructures. At present, the application of DNA assembly is mainly to guide the assembly of a series of substances (inorganic nanoparticles, dyes, protein, etc.). ) and use it as a carrier to guide drug delivery.
3、DNA？ Robots? What's the use of exploring cellular mechanisms?
Human cells are influenced by mechanical forces exerted on the micro scale, triggering many biological signals necessary for cell processes, which are related to the normal function of human body or the development of diseases. The researchers designed a nano-robot composed of three DNA folding structures, the size of which is compatible with the size of human cells, making it possible for the first time to apply and control a force with a resolution of 1 piconewton (that is, one trillion times of 1 Newton). This is the first time that a self-assembled object based on DNA made by human beings can apply force so accurately.
Postscript: One day, nano-robots will be able to make objects, such as drug delivery devices, as fast and reliably as full-size robots. This is a different treatment for patients paralyzed in bed and patients with vascular injury, and it is the first of new medical treatment.