Method to Form DNA Hydrogels and Shape Changing Devices

Unmet Need
Smart materials are designed materials with one or more properties that can be significantly changed by external stimuli. Materials and devices that can change shape are critical to the function of soft robots, programmable matter, and many smart therapeutics. However, current shape change materials cannot be changed without a specific chemical or physical stimulus, and many of these require embedded wires to direct local mechanical deformations. These wires add physical bulk and require batteries or tethering which in turn decrease usability. Thus, there is a need for a simpler and more efficient way to trigger a change in shape change materials. 

Technology Overview
The inventors focused on hydrogels that swell and change shape based on specific DNA sequences.  Structural changes within crosslinked DNA can drive either expansion or contraction in aqueous substances and the hybridization of DNA molecules is predictable and sequence-specific. DNA hybridization can also direct shape change of nanostructures, thin films, and colloidal crystals. The inventors postulated that a DNA hybridization cascade where DNA hairpins are inserted into crosslinks through strand displacement would increase the degree of swelling. The inventors tested this theory by designing DNA sequences for the hydrogel cross links and corresponding hairpins for the cascade. They also tested expansion of the hydrogels to a particular, designed final size.

Stage of Development
A usable hydrogel prototype has been made. It is currently undergoing more testing to be utilized with more applications.
 

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