Scientists have created unique nanorobots that are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair

Scientists from Australia have used  DNA origami» technology to create programmable nanostructures capable of performing complex tasks. In particular, to deliver drugs directly to cells or respond to environmental changes.

Researchers from the Institute of Nanotechnology at the University of Sydney have developed unique nanorobots using the natural ability of DNA to fold into three-dimensional shapes.

This has made it possible to create more than 50 nanostructures, including a «nanodinosaur», a «dancing robot», and even a miniature map of Australia just 150 nanometers wide. All of these objects are 1000 times thinner than a human hair.

The nanobots are reportedly made of modular “voxels” three-dimensional analogs of pixels that allow the formation of complex structures.

Thanks to this new approach, it is possible to rapidly prototype designs for various applications:

• Medicine: nanorobots are able to deliver drugs to individual cells, activating only when needed.
• Materials with adaptive properties: creation of smart materials that change their optical or physical properties depending on the conditions.
• Nanobiology: use in research and creation of synthetic biological systems.

To connect the modules, additional DNA strands are used, which act as «colored Velcro», allowing to create specific designs with high precision.

The technology allows to create autonomous nanorobots that respond to biological signals, delivering drugs only to the right place, which significantly increases the accuracy of therapy and reduces side effects.

In addition, adaptive nanomaterials can be used in devices capable of responding to changes in temperature, acidity or load, which opens up new possibilities for medicine, electronics and environmental solutions.

Scientists believe that their development — is a step towards creating dynamic multifunctional nanorobots and materials with the potential to change approaches in many scientific and industrial fields.