Live cells are controlled by a DNA robot
The first DNA robot to control the behaviour of living cells is a DNA robot that walks across cell membranes. Researchers who created the robot believe it will improve precision medicine based on cells.
Hong-Hui Wang, Zhou Nie, and their team from Hunan University in China have created a molecular synthetic robot that can walk along the outer membranes of biological cells. The robot is powered by the catalytic activity of an enzyme and traverses receptors on the surface of cells. The robot activates the signal pathway for cell migration with each step. The robot’s movements can drive the cells to speeds up to 24 mm/hour.
Researchers write that, for the very first time, the DNA robot allows them to control accurately and predictably the nanoscale operations which power a living cell. The researchers suggest that molecular machines which guide cell behaviour could be used in cell-based therapy and regenerative medicines.
Source:
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/dna-robot-controls-live-cells-movement/4014437.article
