DNA Nanotechnology Out of Equilibrium

Dynamic DNA nanotechnology aims at the realization of molecular machines, devices, and dynamic chemical systems using DNA molecules. DNA is used to assemble the components of these systems, define the interactions between the components, and in many cases also as a chemical fuel that drives them using hybridization energy. Except for biosensing, applications of dynamic DNA devices have so far been limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations, partly because the systems are operating rather slowly, and because it is difficult to operate them continuously for extended periods of time. It is argued that one of the major challenges for the future development of dynamic DNA systems is the identification of driving mechanisms that will allow faster and continuous operation far from chemical equilibrium. Such mechanisms will be required to realize active molecular machinery that can perform useful tasks in nanotechnology and molecular robotics.