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  • RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

A DNA clutch controls a golden nanomachine

The engine of a microscopic motor can be coupled or uncoupled from the rotor by means of DNA coatings that respond to a variety of stimuli.
Electron tomography of the core–cage nanomotor structure.

A tiny machine has a spherical golden rotor (pictured) that encases its golden engine. A DNA coating on both components serves as a clutch system. Credit: M. Lin et al./Nat. Nanotechnol.

Microscopic motors can be carefully controlled thanks to the inclusion of programmable DNA strands1.

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Nature 626, 695 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00408-x

References

  1. Lin, M. et al. Nature Nanotechnol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01599-6 (2024).

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