UNC researchers create DNA-based microscopic flowers that open and close in response to acidity
Summary
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed microscopic, shape-shifting flower-like structures made from crystals that combine DNA with inorganic materials. These "soft robots" use DNA strands inside each crystal as programmable instructions that respond to changes in acidity (pH). When the pH changes, sections of the DNA tighten or loosen, causing the flower petals to open or close in seconds. The arrangement of DNA inside the crystal is the key mechanism — a more acidic environment nudges parts of the DNA to fold up, closing the flower. This technology could potentially be used for targeted drug delivery inside the human body.
Source
Twitter / XUNC researchers create DNA-based microscopic flowers that open and close in response to acidityuniversal-sci.comKey quotes
· 5 pulledThe team designed flower-shaped structures from crystals that combine DNA with inorganic materials.
DNA strands inside each crystal act like a set of instructions.
When the surroundings change - especially acidity (pH) - sections of the DNA tighten or loosen.
The arrangement of DNA inside the crystal is the key.
A more acidic environment nudges parts of the DNA to fold up, closing the flower; return the solution
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