The project aims at the development of an interface between the nanoscopic world of DNA-based nanorobots and active microparticles that enable long range transport. DNA nanotechnology will be used to create asymmetric functionalization of colloidal particles or vesicles to induce motion of the structures within, e.g., chemical or physical gradients within microfluidic environments. Several methods for long range propulsion of the microcarriers such as diffusiophoresis or autoelectrophoresis will be explored. Furthemore, we will attempt to facilitate chemically driven swarming of the microcarriers. This physics-oriented project combines aspects of DNA nanotechnology and non-equilibrium soft matter physics.
DNA-Robotics 