A nanoscale Jitterbug transformer from DNA

Many viruses have evolved remarkably intricate polyhedral shells capable of undergoing symmetric transformations in response to external stimuli to initiate payload release. So far, such deployable auxetic nanostructures are not available in the synthetic realm. Here we present a nanoscale Jitterbug transformer realized by a DNA origami structure that can reconfigure its conformation upon chemical and optical signals while maintaining a Poisson’s ratio of −1. By combining mechanical design principles with molecular dynamics simulations, we design the DNA Jitterbug to form a compact octahedron that stores elastic energy and spontaneously transitions into an expanded cuboctahedron by releasing it. DNA transformers are demonstrated to act similar to viruses that can create nanopores on lipid membranes and regulate payload release into vesicles. Integrating programmable DNA self-assembly with free-energy-guided mechanical design, this work provides a pathway toward adaptive nanomaterials with potential in synthetic organelles and stimuli-responsive nanodevices.