Characterizing the force dependent properties of a DNA origami force probe

DNA origami nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field that shows promise in scientific applications such as mechanically aided drug delivery, molecular sensing, force sensing, and probing of single molecule dynamics. Complex and dynamic 3-dimensional structures can perform a prescribed function through controlled actuation making their use precise and reproducible. The device in our study, called a nanodyn, acts as a force sensor. Consisting of two origami bundles linked by six crossover strands, the device can exist in either an open or closed configuration.