
Scientists Develop DNA Origami
April 10, 2014 |
Scientists from the University of Udine, Italy successfully modelled a prototype for a DNA origami nanorobot that can potentially deliver biological activators in living organisms. The nanorobot is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 14nm, length of 48nm, and has a switchable flap. According to the researchers, the robot is able to respond to an outside stimulus and reacts by a physical switch from a disarmed to an armed configuration able to deliver a cellular compatible message. To create such a nanorobot, a single stranded DNA molecule is folded into the shape, and thus the technique was called "DNA origami".
Nanobiotechnology is a relatively new discipline that combines nanotechnology and biotechnology. DNA origami is still in the research or testing phase. It has many potential applications such as drug delivery systems and controlling the functions of molecules. According to Guiseppe Firrao, leader of the study, their technology will be useful in agriculture, particularly for development of techniques for pathogen control. At present, their main objective is to develop nanorobots that can respond to molecular signals.
Read more at http://www.european-biotechnology-news.com/news/news/2014-02/dna-origami-with-a-flap.html and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/smll.201400245/.
|
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- International Research Team Releases Peanut Genome Sequence
- IPCC: Actions Needed to Build Resilience to Climate Change and Increase Food Production
- Zimbabwean Farmers Witness Bt Cotton Trials in Malawi
- Tomato Study Provides More Evidence of GM Food Safety
- Scientists Uncover Genes to Make Disease-Resistant Grains
- Calcium Found to be Involved in Rapid Plant Cell Communication
- Wheat Field Study Shows Food Quality Will Suffer with Rising CO2
- New Computer Model Developed to Breed Crops that Produce More Using Less Water
- Vietnam's MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat: GM Crops is an Achievement of Mankind
- Bangladesh Ag Minister Urged Biotechnologists to Develop Crops and Technologies for Environmental Stresses
- Mechanization and Biotechnology for Agricultural Development in Bangladesh
- Seminar Series on Plant Biotechnology in Korea
- Chitosan Enhances Efficacy of Pseudomonas sp. Against Tomato Leaf Curl Virus
- Scientists Develop DNA Origami
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Develop GM Durum Wheat with Medium–hard Kernel Texture
- Virus-Based RNAi Used to Control Huanglongbing
- Arabidopsis Assists Sugarcane in Battle with Drought
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- U.S. Department of Defense Explores Biotech
-
Announcements
- Iran Promoting Islamic Nobel Prize for Science and Technology
-
Resources
- ISAAA Brief 46 Executive Summary in 12 Languages
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (February 5, 2025)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 30, 2025)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet