Starring DNA

DNA contains delicate genetic information, so it might seem a bit odd that for 10 years or so DNA nanotechnologists have been using it as a building material. DNA origami bends long organic strands of DNA around “staples” (shorter lengths), moulding them into structures for carrying drug particles or recreating works of art. Hang on - What? Yes, this is Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” recreated 500 times smaller by hanging fluorescent molecules on a sort of 'canvas' of DNA – an approach that could create tiny circuit boards in the future. Many DNA origami structures self-assemble, exploiting the natural bends and twists of the DNA sequence to create 'pop-up' particles in a test tube. Recent research is adding new building blocks, proteins, to the mix. The hope is that one day proteins made by living cells could open up DNA origami inside us, perhaps like model ships in bottles.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image by Paul Rothemund and Ashwin Gopinath/Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA
• Recent research referred to from the Physics Department and Institute for Advanced Study, Technische Universität München, Garching bei München, Germany
• Image copyright held by Nature Publishing Group 2016
• Image and original research published in Nature, July 2016