Revolutionary DNA-Based Nano Engine: The Future of Nanotechnology Machines

A groundbreaking nano engine constructed from DNA has been created by a global team of researchers, displaying capabilities for oscillatory movements. Using RNA polymerases to facilitate its movements and nucleotide triphosphates as an energy source, this innovation holds significant promise for next-generation nanotechnological applications.

The recent research on this state-of-the-art DNA nano engine has been carried out by an international consortium of scientists and has been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology on October 19. The team aims to integrate this engine into intricate nanomachines in the near future.

Collaborative Research and Methodologies Employed

Petr Šulc, who is an assistant professor at Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences as well as the Biodesign Center for Molecular Design and Biomimetics, worked alongside Professor Famulok from the University of Bonn, Germany, and Professor Walter from the University of Michigan. Šulc employed computational modeling tools from his research group to delve into the design and functional aspects of this leaf-spring nano engine, which is comprised of nearly 14,000 nucleotides, the foundational units of DNA.

Šulc states, “Utilizing oxDNA, our group’s computer model for the design of DNA nanostructures, was instrumental in simulating motions within such a large-scale nanostructure. This marks the first instance of a chemically-powered DNA nanotech motor being successfully developed. Our research methodologies are contributing to the study of this innovation, and we anticipate constructing even more intricate nanodevices going forward.”

Functional Aspects and Operational Mechanisms

The engine is functionally analogous to a hand grip strength trainer, albeit on a much smaller scale—approximately one million times smaller. The structure involves two handles connected via a spring in a V-shaped configuration. Unlike a hand grip trainer, where the handles are compressed together, this nano engine employs a principle where the handles are drawn together.

The researchers used a fundamental cellular mechanism involving RNA polymerases to facilitate the engine’s oscillatory movements. These enzymes move along DNA strands and replicate the information stored in them. As Famulok explains, the RNA polymerase is attached to one of the engine’s handles, and a DNA strand is stretched between both handles. The enzyme moves along this strand, gradually bringing the second handle closer to the first one, thereby compressing the spring.

Energy Sourcing and Future Applications

The engine is powered by nucleotide triphosphates, which are the basic components used by the RNA polymerases for transcript production. Each nucleotide contains a triphosphate tail, and energy is released when two of these phosphate groups are removed. Famulok states, “Our engine utilizes nucleotide triphosphates as its fuel and can function only when an adequate supply is present.”

The scientists have also demonstrated the engine’s versatility in being coupled with other nanostructures, offering the potential for a range of applications, such as surface movement akin to that of an inchworm. Plans are underway to develop a clutch mechanism to regulate the engine’s activity.

Achievements of Šulc’s Laboratory

Šulc’s interdisciplinary research group employs statistical physics and computational modeling to tackle challenges in the fields of chemistry, biology, and nanotechnology. They develop novel multiscale models to explore biomolecular interactions, particularly concerning the design and simulations of DNA and RNA nanostructures.

The Potential of Bio-Nanotechnology

DNA and RNA are fundamental to life, serving roles in information storage and transfer within cells. They also hold considerable promise in nanotechnology, where engineered DNA and RNA strands are used to create nanoscale structures and devices. Šulc notes, “My laboratory has developed software to design these structures, and we collaborate closely with experimental groups across the U.S. and Europe. The field continues to evolve as we achieve increasingly complex designs and operate them at the nanoscale.”

This research was made possible by ERC grant no 101040035.

Reference: “A rhythmically pulsing leaf-spring DNA-origami nanoengine that drives a passive follower” by Mathias Centola, Erik Poppleton, Sujay Ray, Martin Centola, Robb Welty, Julián Valero, Nils G. Walter, Petr Šulc, and Michael Famulok, published on October 19, 2023, in Nature Nanotechnology. DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01516-x.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DNA-based nano engine

More about DNA-based nano engine

• Nature Nanotechnology Journal
• Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences
• University of Bonn Life and Medical Sciences Institute
• University of Michigan Faculty Profile: Professor Walter
• ERC Grant Information
• oxDNA Computational Model
• Nanotechnology Applications
• RNA Polymerases and their Function