Dynamic DNA hydrogels actuated by biochemical fuels

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Herrmann
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry ; Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 435235374

The active properties of living systems require the integration of a power unit/stimulus to allow active functions and interactive adaption of these functions away from thermodynamic equilibrium. These stimuli can be of physical nature or based on (bio)chemical reactions. In this realm, it is planned to build dynamic DNA hydrogels that disaggregate at defined time points and that act as artificial muscles. Key to achieve such functionalities is the incorporation of DNA modifying enzymes in the networks. With this research we are aiming to build artificial polymer network architectures, which can be combined with living systems and their function relies on the same chemical fuels as that of Mother Nature. Moreover, some of these networks emulate dissipative assemblies similar as found in biological systems and hence these materials are a step forward in relation to materials displaying life-like features.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants