DNA-Based Molecular Machines

Artificial molecular machines have found widespread applications ranging from fundamental studies to biomedicine. More recent advances in exploiting unique physical and chemical properties of DNA have led to the development of DNA-based artificial molecular machines. The unprecedented programmability of DNA provides a powerful means to design complex and sophisticated DNA-based molecular machines that can exert mechanical force or motion to realize complex tasks in a controllable, modular fashion. This Perspective highlights the potential and strategies to construct artificial molecular machines using double-stranded DNA, functional nucleic acids, and DNA frameworks, which enable improved control over reaction pathways and motion behaviors. We also outline the challenges and opportunities of using DNA-based molecular machines for biophysics, biosensing, and biocomputing.

Automated summary

Artificial molecular machines have been widely used in various fields, and recent advancements in DNA have led to the development of DNA-based artificial molecular machines. The programmability of DNA allows for the design of complex machines that can exert mechanical force or motion in a controllable and modular manner. This Perspective highlights the potential and strategies for constructing DNA-based molecular machines, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in biophysics, biosensing, and biocomputing.