Ohio University Scientists have created a new way of modeling DNA robots, which simplifies the work of specialists and helps to quickly design complex mechanisms that can perform useful functions. This is reported in an article published in the Nature Materials magazine, briefly about scientific work is described in a press release on PHYS.ORG.
Researchers presented the MagicDNA program, which makes the design of robots from DNA threads, combining molecules into complex structures that have rotors and hinges and are able to carry out various tasks, including the delivery of drugs. Earlier, specialists left for the development of such DNA devices in specialists, while the molecular mechanisms consisted of a maximum of five elements.
Magicdna for the development of a DNA robot takes place only a few minutes, while the devices may consist of more than 20 components, which gives them the ability to perform complex functions. In addition, experts can engage in the construction of a three-dimensional robot model as “bottom-up” and “top down”. The “bottom-up” approach means that the desired structure is built out of individual DNA threads. The second method is used when you need to create a device of a certain geometric shape, after which the program automatically collects it from the DNA circuits.
The program is also able to simulate, as DNA devices will move and work in the real world. This is especially important when developing complex devices, whose behavior may be unpredictable.
With Magicdna, researchers simulated and collected several devices, including robots, manipulators and a structure resembling aircraft. According to scientists, you can create more complex mechanisms that are not only able to detect the pathogen inside the human body, but also somehow respond, capturing it or releasing the drug molecule.