Dynamic DNA hydrogels actuated by biochemical fuels

生命系统的活跃特性需要一个动力单元/刺激的整合，以允许活跃的功能和远离热力学平衡的这些功能的交互适应。这些刺激可以是物理性质的，也可以是基于(生物)化学反应的。在这一领域，计划建造动态DNA水凝胶，在规定的时间点解体，充当人造肌肉。实现这些功能的关键是DNA修饰酶在网络中的结合。通过这项研究，我们的目标是建立人工聚合物网络体系结构，它可以与生命系统结合，其功能依赖于与大自然母亲相同的化学燃料。此外，这些网络中的一些模拟了与生物系统中发现的类似的耗散组件，因此这些材料相对于显示出生命特征的材料来说是向前迈进了一步。

The active properties of living systems require the integration of a power unit/stimulus to allow active functions and interactive adaption of these functions away from thermodynamic equilibrium. These stimuli can be of physical nature or based on (bio)chemical reactions. In this realm, it is planned to build dynamic DNA hydrogels that disaggregate at defined time points and that act as artificial muscles. Key to achieve such functionalities is the incorporation of DNA modifying enzymes in the networks. With this research we are aiming to build artificial polymer network architectures, which can be combined with living systems and their function relies on the same chemical fuels as that of Mother Nature. Moreover, some of these networks emulate dissipative assemblies similar as found in biological systems and hence these materials are a step forward in relation to materials displaying life-like features.