Sensing and control with nucleic acid hybrid nanoactuators (A02)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 201269156

Our project aims at the application of a DNA-based “nanorobotic” system for sensing, actuation and unconventional computing. The system comprises a molecular robot arm attached to a DNA origami platform which can be manipulated using electrical fields. We will utilize fast feedback control of the robot arms to steer movement and positioning of biomolecules and nanoparticles for sensor applications. We will further create extended arrays of nanorobotic systems, which will be designed to display collective behaviors, enable nanoscale transport, and allow simple cellular automata type computation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1032: Nanoagents for Spatio-temporal Control of Molecular and Cellular Reactions
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Friedrich Simmel