Probing the Mechanical Properties of DNA Nanostructures with Metadynamics.

Molecular dynamics simulations are often used to provide feedback in the design workflow of DNA nanostructures. However, even with coarse-grained models, the convergence of distributions from unbiased simulation is slow, limiting applications to equilibrium structural properties. Given the increasing interest in dynamic, reconfigurable, and deformable devices, methods that enable efficient quantification of large ranges of motion, conformational transitions, and mechanical deformation are critically needed.

Membrane Scaffolds Enhance the Responsiveness and Stability of DNA-Based Sensing Circuits.

Target-induced DNA strand displacement is an excellent candidate for developing analyte-responsive DNA circuitry to be used in clinical diagnostics and synthetic biology. While most available technologies rely on DNA circuitry free to diffuse in bulk, here we explore the use of liposomes as scaffolds for DNA-based sensing nanodevices. Our proof-of-concept sensing circuit responds to the presence of a model target analyte by releasing a DNA strand, which in turn activates a fluorescent reporter.

Flexibility defines structure in crystals of amphiphilic DNA nanostars.

DNA nanostructures with programmable shape and interactions can be used as building blocks for the self-assembly of crystalline materials with prescribed nanoscale features, holding a vast technological potential. Structural rigidity and bond directionality have been recognised as key design features for DNA motifs to sustain long-range order in 3D, but the practical challenges associated with prescribing building-block geometry with sufficient accuracy have limited the variety of available designs. We have recently introduced a novel platform for the one-pot preparation of crystalline DNA frameworks supported by a combination of Watson-Crick base pairing and hydrophobic forces (Brady et al 2017 Nano Lett.