DNA nanomachines.
Nat Nanotechnol 2:5 (2007) 275-284
Abstract:
We are learning to build synthetic molecular machinery from DNA. This research is inspired by biological systems in which individual molecules act, singly and in concert, as specialized machines: our ambition is to create new technologies to perform tasks that are currently beyond our reach. DNA nanomachines are made by self-assembly, using techniques that rely on the sequence-specific interactions that bind complementary oligonucleotides together in a double helix. They can be activated by interactions with specific signalling molecules or by changes in their environment. Devices that change state in response to an external trigger might be used for molecular sensing, intelligent drug delivery or programmable chemical synthesis. Biological molecular motors that carry cargoes within cells have inspired the construction of rudimentary DNA walkers that run along self-assembled tracks. It has even proved possible to create DNA motors that move autonomously, obtaining energy by catalysing the reaction of DNA or RNA fuels.Design and assembly of double-crossover linear arrays of micrometre length using rolling circle replication
Nanotechnology 16:9 (2005) 1574-1577
Abstract:
We demonstrate the use of rolling circle replication to template linear DNA arrays whose sizes bridge the gap between nanometre-scale self-assembly and top-down lithographic fabrication. Using rolling circle replication we have produced an oligonucleotide containing several hundred repeats of a short sequence motif. On this template we have constructed, by self-assembly, an array consisting of two parallel duplexes periodically linked by antiparallel Holliday junctions. We have observed arrays up to 10 νm in length by atomic force microscopy. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.A free-running DNA motor powered by a nicking enzyme.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 44:28 (2005) 4358-4361
Self-assembly of chiral DNA nanotubes.
J Am Chem Soc 126:50 (2004) 16342-16343
Abstract:
A system of DNA "tiles" that is designed to assemble to form two-dimensional arrays is observed to form narrow ribbons several micrometers in length. The uniform width of the ribbons and lack of frayed edges lead us to propose that they are arrays that have curled and closed on themselves to form tubes. This proposal is confirmed by the observation of tubes with helical order.DNA transport in bacteria.
Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2:7 (2001) 538-545