NanoMuscle​

Future

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        We successfully constructed a DNA origami, NanoMuscle, which is able to perform directed movement under control. NanoMuscle contracts or extends at constant distance by associating with different types of ssDNA, fuel or anti-fuel, respectively. That is, it converts chemical energy to mechanical energy.

        Our NanoMuscle can serve as a novel building block of DNA nanomachines. It provides the required energy source and dictated linear motion. Furthermore, it is simple to incorporate our NanoMuscle design into the DNA origami nanomachines. These DNA nanomachines may be intravascular stents that prevent microvascular blockage in the brain, or drug delivery systems that release appropriate medicine into targeted malignant neoplasms. Since the process of synthesizing NanoMuscle is straightforward and DNA origami can be used in living animals[C-1], we envision that  we can direct specific single-stranded DNAs to particular positions in the human body someday in the near future. Besides, these DNAs will self-assemble into the desired molecular machines. By constructing NanoMuscle with DNA origami, we have taken an essential step in the field of DNA nanomachines.

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        In our future work, several interesting prospects can expand from our DNA origami muscle:

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• Each of our NanoMuscle contains two monomers. By connecting sets of NanoMuscles with other sets of NanoMuscles, either in series or in parallel, we may incorporate numerous NanoMuscles into a hierarchical muscle-like structure. Its length and working distance would be substantially extended. In addition, the ends of this long muscle-like structures can be joined to form a "circular muscle". In this circular structure, the contraction or extension of NanoMuscles results in the transformation of the circular hole between open form and close form, mimicking sphincters.  [C-2] (Figure C1)
   

• In our study, NanoMuscles contract and extend in one dimension. However, NanoMuscles could be extended to higher dimensions by  arranging monomers in different orientations and different sequences. Thus, they can combine at different angles before interlocking. [C-2] (Figure C1)
   

• During contraction and extension, the rings of NanoMuscles "switch off" different parts of the axles. In other words, different parts of the axle will be exposed while the ring shuttles between different “stations” on the axle. Therefore, by adding different functional groups onto the axle of the muscle, we are able to alternate the overall property of NanoMuscle while NanoMuscle extends and contracts. [C-3] (Figure C2)

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