We are interested in building integrated machines and materials where chemical information processing mechanisms inspired by biology enable new form and function. In a typical cell or organism, matter is precisely manipulated across scales ranging from angstroms to meters. Precisely structured molecular components are assembled into large molecular machines and structures that sense, respond, reconfigure, adapt and can heal themselves. Using ideas from structural and dynamic DNA nanotechnology, we’re working to engineer similarly complex, functional nanoscale devices.
We self-assemble synthetic DNA into reconfigurable structures, soft materials and patterns. These structures serve as soft robots, templates for wires, and architectures for controlled delivery and sensing.
