Molecular morphers: DNA-powered gels shape-shift on command

Johns Hopkins engineers have developed gel strips that change shape when given chemical instructions written in DNA code. These "gel automata," measuring just centimeters, can grow or shrink, transforming from one letter or number to another when triggered by specific DNA molecules.

This breakthrough opens possibilities for shape-shifting robots and medical devices that can reconfigure themselves to perform various tasks. These gel automata, which respond to DNA instructions precisely and dynamically, represent an important step toward a new generation of adaptive and responsive materials for applications from medicine to robotics," said Ruohong Shi (Ph.D.).

Shape changes happen all the time in nature, from the development of embryos to the growth and aging of organisms. In creating the gels, the researchers were inspired by living systems that use nucleic acids to induce physical changes, by traditional machines that can repeatedly reconfigure based on instruction, and by soft robots that change shape in response to light or electrical signals.

"Programmable gel automata are intellectually compelling because they offer us glimpses of how we might be able to create truly programmable matter," said Gracias.

Image source: Shi et al. (2024), Nature Communications.