DNA-encoded REconfigurable and Active Matter

Introduction

Synthetic materials exist in a broad variety of sizes, shapes, and compositions, leading to an impressive breadth of useful functions but tend to be case-specific. Living matter, in contrast, has the remarkable capability to sense, evolve, transform, and adapt.

Project Proposal

Here, we propose to develop new DNA-encoded dynamic principles and implement them as molecular codes to program similar life-like characteristics in a variety of synthetic soft materials, ranging from evolutive DNA nanomachines to genetically encoded active interfaces.

DNA Nanostructures

Various DNA nanostructures (DNA origamis, single-stranded tiles, DNA nanogrids) will be produced by a new concept of isothermal and reconfigurable DNA self-assembly. This will lead to user-defined self-assembled structures capable of:

• Adapting
• Morphologically transforming
• Acting autonomously or in response to a stimulus

Coupling Proteins

Coupling proteins to these reconfigurable nanoscaffolds will allow us to:

1. Reconstitute dynamic synthetic metabolic pathways
2. Design programmable catalytic switches
3. Develop a new principle of nanostructure discovery by evolution

Gene-Containing DNA

Besides encoding structural dynamics, we will also incorporate gene-containing DNA in interface-rich materials (films, drops, emulsions) to program, at a genetic level for the first time, the active behavior and dynamic functionality of these systems.

In Situ Cell-Free Expression

In situ cell-free expression of interfacially active proteins, such as BslA and hydrophobins, will allow us to control the interfacial properties (surface tension, viscoelasticity), either uniformly or with controlled spatio-temporal patterns.

Original Genetically Encoded Active Behaviors

This will result in original genetically encoded active behaviors such as:

• Genetic Marangoni effects
• Propulsion
• Genophoresis
• Autonomous genetic sorting

Additional Functionality

Additional functionality will be brought by co-expressing useful proteins (enzymes, antibodies) at these interfaces, resulting in highly dynamic, reconfigurable, versatile, and multifunctional soft materials.