DNA Origami Mechanisms and Machines

This thesis establishes scaffolded DNA origami as a viable approach to designing and fabricating nanoscale mechanisms and machines. The work presented shows a fundamental proof-of-concept for the fabrication of DNA Origami Mechanisms and Machines (DOMM). The scope of the project is to design, fabricate, and analyze DNA origami joints, incorporate them into larger mechanisms, and actuate the mechanisms. This thesis starts with the initial step of creating DNA origami revolute joints (hinges). Revolute joints are single degree of freedom joints and demonstrate the design and construction of nanoscale kinematic joints with specific constrained motion. The revolute joint design was integrated into a DNA origami Bennett 4-bar mechanism. This mechanism has a 3D motion path that is specified by the dimensions of the links and the arrangement of the hinges. The motion of the DNA origami linkage agrees well with its rigid body counterpart. These linkages were further actuated using DNA inputs. This method of actuation proves to be an effective way to control DNA origami mechanisms. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a library of DNA-based links and joints that can be widely used in the design and assembly of higher order controllable nanomachines. This work has the potential of initiating a new era of nanorobot design useful for applications including drug delivery, biosensing, and nanomanufacturing.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Marras, Alexander Edison

Contributors dc:contributor

• Castro, Carlos

• Biomedical Engineering
• Design
• Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• DNA origami
• DNA nanotechnology
• nanorobot
• nanomachine
• DNA origami mechanisms and machines
• DOMM
• NBL
• Nanoengineering and Biodesign Lab
• Marras

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366227349

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1366227349