A light-operated integrated DNA walker–origami system beyond bridge burning

Abstract

Integrating rationally designed DNA molecular walkers and DNA origami platforms is a promising route towards advanced nano-robotics of diverse functions. Unleashing the full potential in this direction requires DNA walker–origami systems beyond the present simplistic bridge-burning designs for automated repeatable operation and scalable nano-robotic functions. Here we report such a DNA walker–origami system integrating an advanced light-powered DNA bipedal walker and a ∼170 nm-long rod-like DNA origami platform. This light-powered walker is fully qualified as a genuine translational molecular motor, and relies entirely on pure mechanical effects that are complicated by the origami surface but must be preserved for the walker's proper operation. This is made possible by tailor-designing the origami for optimal match with the walker to best preserve its core mechanics. A new fluorescence method is combined with site-controlled motility experiments to yield distinct and reliable signals for the walker's self-directed and processive motion despite origami-complicated fluorophore emission. The resultant integrated DNA walker–origami system provides a ‘seed’ system for future development of advanced light-powered DNA nano-robots (e.g., for scalable walker-automated chemical synthesis), and also truly bio-mimicking nano-muscles powered by genuine artificial translational molecular motors.