BIO

My first project is titled “Dynamic DNA Origami Nanoclock”. A novel technique called DNA Origami enables us to synthesize molecular nanostructures of almost any arbitrary shape by exploiting the double helical nature of DNA, utilizing one strand as the scaffold, and the second strand acting as individual staple strands that force the scaffold strand to conform into the desired structure. Applying strand displacement reactions (SDRs) upon a DNA Origami can cause dynamic movement and programmable direction to the structure. A DNA Origami Nanoclock was then designed using three 6-double helical DNA bundles for the 3D structure, where there are three subsections: an arm, a strut, and a ring. A second design was created to impose a DNA motor onto the arm, and fuel strands onto the ring to cause the arm of the Nanoclock to move about the ring through SDR. Preliminary data has been collected using various methods, like Gel Electrophoresis and Atomic Force Microscopy. Pursuing the construction and observation of this Nanoclock will aid in gaining insights into manipulating matter at the nanoscale level. Developing this self-assembled system will offer the ability to program smart dynamic nanorobots and promise potential applications in structural biology, nanorobotics, and drug delivery.