Photo-reconfiguration of Topological DNA Origami Nanostructures

非技术性：普渡大学材料研究部生物材料项目的这一奖项旨在从基于DNA的折纸自组装中开发合成分子拓扑结构的新原理。基于DNA的折纸就像基于纸张的折纸一样，折叠并形成不同的形式。该奖项的重点是准备基于DNA的几何图形，其属性不会因拉伸，弯曲和/或扭曲等机械变形而改变。拓扑结构，一般来说，它们是几何理论的物理表示。对分子拓扑结构和相关形状变化机制的研究可以推进包括数学、化学和材料科学在内的多个科学学科，并导致革命性的工程策略。这项研究将展示一类新的大分子拓扑结构及其相关的形状变化机制，通过利用DNA自组装的优异的可编程性和可预测性。该奖项支持通过DNA自组装开发合成分子拓扑结构新原理的基础研究，重点是使用外部光照射的可编程重新配置。该项目在科学上的广泛影响可能是开发新技术，这些技术可能应用于移动的纳米器件、生物物理工具、合成分子发动机、环境/生物化学传感器、DNA计算和药物输送系统。该项目将把研究工作与旨在促进公众对生物分子纳米技术的理解的教育和推广活动结合起来。外联和教育活动包括开发一个关于DNA自我组装的新的实践单元。PI将积极参与招募女性和代表性不足的少数民族学生在个人层面上，以及通过校园范围内的计划，如妇女在工程和少数民族工程项目在普渡大学。技术：生物分子拓扑结构是丰富的性质。它们的结构和重构机制对生物分子和细胞的性质和功能具有重要意义。相比之下，尽管在过去二十年中做出了重大努力，但合成分子拓扑结构及其动态结构转变仍然具有挑战性。本研究旨在开发新的科学知识和策略，用于基于DNA折纸的大分子合成拓扑结构，能够按需进行结构转换，特别是响应外部光信号。该项目的三个目标是：1）构建拓扑DNA折纸纳米结构; 2）通过光控碱基配对展示按需重构; 3）阐明光活化嵌入的形状改变机制。这些研究的成果包括光调控形状改变机制的新原理，包括光控碱基配对和光活化插层。此外，该奖项预计将阐明结构刚度之间的相关性，并通过实验和理论研究相结合的机械变形所需的必要能源。这些动态的重新配置将被检查为光响应代理和转换模式，如拉伸，弯曲和扭曲，以及拓扑设计和环境的功能。如果成功，这项研究可能会改变科学界和工业界，为结构适应性材料提供新的原理和技术，这些材料可以编程执行特定任务。这个跨学科的项目将有助于扩大代表性不足的群体在前沿研究中的参与，其中一些是通过校园范围内的活动。这个项目是由物理和数学科学理事会材料研究部的生物材料和BioMaPS项目联合支持的，以及生物科学理事会分子和细胞生物科学司的遗传机制组和分子生物物理组以理工科为重

Non-Technical:This award by the Biomaterials Program in the Division of Materials Research to Purdue University is to develop new principles for synthetic molecular topologies from DNA-based origami self-assembly. DNA-based origami is just like paper-based origami of folding and shaping into different forms. The focus of this award is in preparing DNA-based geometric figures with properties that are not changed by mechanical deformations such as stretching, bending, and/or twisting. Topological structures, in general, they are physical representations of geometrical theories. Studies of molecular topologies and relevant shape-changing mechanisms could advance several scientific disciplines including mathematics, chemistry, and materials sciences, and also lead to revolutionary engineering strategies. This research will demonstrate a new class of macromolecular topologies and their relevant shape-changing mechanisms, by exploiting the excellent programmability and predictability of DNA self-assembly. This award supports fundamental research in developing new principles for synthetic molecular topologies via DNA self-assembly with a focus on programmable reconfigurations using external light irradiation. The scientific broader impact of the project could be in developing novel technologies with potential applications in mobile nano-devices, biophysical tools, synthetic molecular motors, environmental/ biochemical sensors, DNA computations, and drug delivery systems. This project will integrate research efforts with educational and outreach activities designed to advance the public understanding of biomolecular nanotechnology. Outreach and educational activities include development of a new hands-on module on DNA self-assembly. The PI will be actively involved in recruiting female and underrepresented minority students at the individual level as well as through campus-wide programs such as Women in Engineering and Minority Engineering Programs at Purdue University.Technical:Biomolecular topologies are abundant in nature. Their structures and reconfiguration mechanisms have significant implications in biomolecular and cellular properties and functions. In contrast, synthetic molecular topologies and their dynamic structural transformation remain challenging despite significant efforts in the past two decades. This research aims in developing novel scientific knowledge and strategies for DNA-origami based macromolecular synthetic topologies capable of on-demand structural transformation, particularly in response to external light signals. The three objectives of the project are to: 1) construct topological DNA origami nanostructures; 2) demonstrate on-demand reconfiguration by photo-controlled base-pairing; and 3) elucidate shape-changing mechanisms of photo-activated intercalation. The outcome of the proposed studies includes new principles of photo-regulated shape-changing mechanisms including photo-controlled base pairing and photo-activated intercalation. Furthermore, this award is expected to elucidate the correlations between structural rigidity, and the necessary energy sources required for the mechanical deformations through combined experimental and theoretical studies. These reconfiguration of dynamics will be examined as functions of photo-responsive agents and transformation modes such as stretching, bending and twisting, as well as topological designs and environments. If successful, this research may transform both scientific community and industry by providing new principles and technologies for structurally adaptable materials which can be programmed to perform specific tasks. This interdisciplinary program will help broaden participation of underrepresented groups in cutting-edge research, some of them through campus-wide activities.This project is jointly supported by the Biomaterials and BioMaPS Programs of the Division of Materials Research in the Directorate for Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and the Genetic Mechanism Cluster and the Molecular Biophysics Cluster of the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division in the Directorate for Biological Sciences.