Optimizing DNA nanotechnology through coarse-grained modeling: a two-footed DNA walker.
ACS Nano 7:3 (2013) 2479-2490
Abstract:
DNA has enormous potential as a programmable material for creating artificial nanoscale structures and devices. For more complex systems, however, rational design and optimization can become difficult. We have recently proposed a coarse-grained model of DNA that captures the basic thermodynamic, structural, and mechanical changes associated with the fundamental process in much of DNA nanotechnology, the formation of duplexes from single strands. In this article, we demonstrate that the model can provide powerful insight into the operation of complex nanotechnological systems through a detailed investigation of a two-footed DNA walker that is designed to step along a reusable track, thereby offering the possibility of optimizing the design of such systems. We find that applying moderate tension to the track can have a large influence on the operation of the walker, providing a bias for stepping forward and helping the walker to recover from undesirable overstepped states. Further, we show that the process by which spent fuel detaches from the walker can have a significant impact on the rebinding of the walker to the track, strongly influencing walker efficiency and speed. Finally, using the results of the simulations, we propose a number of modifications to the walker to improve its operation.Non-covalent single transcription factor encapsulation inside a DNA cage.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 52:8 (2013) 2284-2288
Combinatorial displacement of DNA strands: application to matrix multiplication and weighted sums.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 52:4 (2013) 1189-1192
A clocked finite state machine built from DNA.
Chem Commun (Camb) 49:3 (2013) 237-239
Abstract:
We implement a finite state machine by representing state, transition rules and input symbols with DNA components. Transitions between states are triggered by a clock signal which allows synchronized, parallel operation of two (or more) state machines. The state machine can be re-programmed by changing the input symbols.DNA Walker Circuits: Computational Potential, Design, and Verification
Springer Nature 8141 (2013) 31-45