Control of DNA Origami Mechanisms Via Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

DNA origami mechanisms are promising tools for nanomanipulation but often require additives such as DNA “fuel” strands to change conformation which are slow and inefficient. We demonstrate a method for controlling a DNA origami hinge via DNA conjugated gold nanoparticles for enhanced control. We show that the angular distributions of hinge mechanisms are tunable as a function of nanoparticle size and distance from the hinge vertex. Adjusting AuNP binding sites to have different affinities results in actuation of the hinge via DNA melting without releasing the nanoparticle entirely, thereby enabling rapid and reversible temperature-based actuation.