DNA origami technology has revolutionized nanofabrication by enabling the evolution from static nanostructures to programmable dynamic systems. Herein, we present a bioinspired cloverleaf DNA origami system enabling structural reconfiguration, reversible molecular detection, and programmable higher-order assembly. Two basic cloverleaf related DNA origami structures were designed: a flexible four-leaf structure (Leaf4) and a stable four-leaf clover (Lucky4) stabilized by central linker staples, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and simulations (tacoxDNA, CanDo). Leaf4 transitions to a closed doughnut topology via apex strand replacement, mimicking water lily closure dynamics. Lucky4 serves as a sensing platform: its blades are functionalized with split capture strands, enabling target sequence binding visualized by AFM and subsequent toehold-mediated release. Extending this strategy, two Lucky4 units assemble into sandwich structures upon target addition, exhibiting double the height of single units. This reconfigurable system integrates biomimetic nanomechanics with visual molecular detection and modular nanostructure assembly.
1 November 2020 in Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Highly sensitive hair springs are prepared through a simple, time- and cost-effective two-step method, involving a hair-winding process followed by heating in boiling water. Hooke's law was used to measure the spring constant and the lowest spring constant of the springs is 0.019 N m−1, close to that of the cantilevers used in atomic force microscopy (AFM) for cells. Besides, the cyclic tensile loading test demonstrated the stability of the springs. Furthermore, a platform based on the hair spring was developed to measure the contraction force generated by engineered cardiac tissues in vitro and the contraction force at different time points was recorded. This work provides a new insight into developing advanced biomaterials and a new way to measure cellular forces.