Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Using Modular Preformed DNA Origami Building Blocks to Fold Dynamic 3D Structures

Eickert, Gunter Erick
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397742084

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
DNA origami is a bottom-up approach that takes advantage of DNA’s structure and lock key sequencing to build nano scale machines and structures. By introducing specific single stranded DNA (ssDNA) “staples”, a ssDNA “scaffold” can be folded into a desired 2D or 3D structure. Using this method, a variety of shapes have been formed, including tetrahedrons and octahedrons. These structures have been explored as drug carriers, enzyme platforms, signal markers, and for other medical and research uses. However, each of these structures must be specifically designed and often pertain to only one particular application. A DNA origami structure that functions as a building block was designed to allow for the creation of several different 3D structures without the need for a lengthy design process. An annealing process called a thermal ramp was then used to fold the structures. The building block was made of four equilateral triangles arranged into a parallelogram. This is ideal since a parallelogram can be used to form three of the five platonic solids, in addition to many non-platonic shapes. The parallelogram was successfully folded into a tetrahedron and an octahedron by introducing staples that bound to overhangs on its edges. By utilizing strand displacement, the 3D structures were able to be unfolded back into building blocks and then refolded into new 3D shapes. All of these foldings and unfoldings were performed at room temperature, without the need for a thermal ramp. Each structure was verified using transmission electron microscopy. The ability to switch between a tetrahedron and an octahedron with the same parallelograms suggests that the parallelograms could also be used to form other structures, such as an icosahedron. The parallelogram building block is both modular and dynamic. These features could allow the structure to be used for carrying and releasing a drug and could make it possible to control the kinetics of enzymes attached to the DNA structure. Both of these applications can be explored since the parallelogram can take on multiple conformations and can be switched between them without the need for a complete redesign.
Carlos Castro, PHD (Advisor)
Su Haijun, PHD (Committee Member)
64 p.
Biomechanics; Biomedical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology
DNA origami

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Eickert, G. E. (2014). Using Modular Preformed DNA Origami Building Blocks to Fold Dynamic 3D Structures [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397742084

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Eickert, Gunter. Using Modular Preformed DNA Origami Building Blocks to Fold Dynamic 3D Structures. 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397742084.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Eickert, Gunter. "Using Modular Preformed DNA Origami Building Blocks to Fold Dynamic 3D Structures." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1397742084

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1397742084
1,969
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.