NIRT/GOALI: DNA-Based Nanomechanical Devices

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AbstractCTS-0103002N. Seeman, et al., New York UniversityThis proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering (NSE) solicitation, NSF-00119, in the category Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams (NIRT). This is a collaborative activity between New York University, California Institute of Technology and Dow Chemical Co. using GOALI model. The goal is to synthesize and demonstrate operational nanoscale machines or devices. The level of control offered by DNA systems can be exploited to make intricate DNA nanostructures, including self-assembling DNA that forms two-dimensional and three-dimensional arrays. Modeling and simulation is a critical part of this project, in order construct and test the DNA nanostructures. It is proposed to combine the activities of New York University, California Institute of Technology and Dow Chemical laboratories to achieve a demonstration of DNA based nanomechanical devices useful for performing fast calculations, for sensors that detect specific molecules in the environment, or to improve the properties or performance of a material. Practical design and manufacture of nanoscale machines and devices requires overcoming numerous challenges in synthesis, processing, characterization, design, optimization, and fabrication. The approach will be first to prototype the designs computationally, optimizing the particular base-pair sequences, making sure that the particular lengths and spacings will lead to proper clearances, and testing the operation of the device, including the dynamics. The project will focus on nanomechanical devices of three types. o The B-Z based nanomotor. A DNA based nanomotor predicated on the B to Z DNAtransitions under different salt conditions. o A DNA sequence-specific mechanical device o A DNA based switch based on principles similar to the DNA sequence-specific mechanical device.