Poster abstracts

Poster number 90 submitted by Ariel Robbins

Characterization of a DNA Origami Force Probe

Ariel Robbins (Biophysics), Peter Beshay (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), Carlos Castro (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), Michael Poirier (Physics)

Abstract:
DNA origami nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field that shows promise in scientific applications such as mechanically aided drug delivery, molecular sensing, force sensing, and probing of single molecule dynamics. Complex and dynamic 3-dimensional structures can perform a prescribed function through controlled actuation making their use precise and reproducible. The device in our study, called a nanodyn, acts as a force sensor. Consisting of two origami bundles linked by six crossover strands, the device can exist in either an open or closed configuration. With careful design of the crossover strands, the nanodyn can be programed to open at a prescribed force. We will employ single molecule force spectroscopy techniques to characterize the force dependent properties of this device. These nanoprobes can then be used in biological systems where traditional force spectroscopy techniques are more challenging to implement. For instance, shear forces due to fluid flow can be challenging to determine in non-idealized environments, such as in a blood vessel or extracellular matrix. This device will supplement the existing force spectroscopy toolkit available to scientists for probing biological systems.

Keywords: DNA Origami, Force Spectroscopy, Nanotechnology