Electrical actuation of DNA-based nanorobotic structures

DNA nanotechnology provides efficient methods for the sequence-programmable construction of mechanical devices with nanoscale dimensions. The resulting nanomachines could serve as tools for the manipulation of macromolecules with similar functionalities as mechanical tools and machinery in the macroscopic world. In order to drive and control these machines and to perform specific tasks, fast, reliable and repeatable actuation are required. In this context, we recently developed an effective method for actuating DNA nanostructures using externally applied electric fields. Electrical control allows us to dynamically drive
DNA-based nano-robotic systems, which allows us to move and position molecules on a molecular platform with high speed and accuracy.
In this talk we will focus on the physical characterization of this nanorobotic system using single molecule fluorescence techniques as well as a discussion of the physical mechanisms underlying the motion of the robotic arm. We will also touch upon potential applications of such systems in single molecule biosensing and nanoplasmonics