Barbie nanoatelier

We use a DNA origami technique to design a strand of DNA that wraps into a meaningful shape. First, the DNA folds into a two-dimensional rectangular sheet, or DNA platform. Second, this sheet turns into a short pipe. Next, these pipes form long pipes or tetrahedrons, which will assemble into more sophisticated structures. Once the process of DNA folding into 3D objects is understood, shapes can be chosen arbitrarily. We propose a database for DNA parts (e.g. aptamers) that could be inserted into staples to form a desirable pattern and to anchor specific molecules. The origami technique is considered to be suitable for molecular logic and/or processing.