The modeling and simulation results of the magnetic swimmer provided us the required intensity of magnetic field necessary for the controlled motion of the Dynabeads. It also tells us about the orientation of magnetic dipole moments in different media. This allows the system to act as a potential candidate used as a mechanosensing device.
Conjugation of the liposome to the Dynabead via a DNA origami linker creates the action of controlled movement. In an attempt to include the specific release of encapsulated molecules, we incorporated targeted bursting using cell-bursting peptides conjugated to quantum dots. Complementing the bursting capability of the peptides, modifying the preparation of the peptide and quantum dots solution allowed for selective nano-injection of molecules to be observed. The bursting of the liposomes can be measured by various techniques depending on their size, such as dynamic light scattering for LUVs or even wide-field microscopy for GUVs. Successful assembly of 6HB DNA origami structures can be confirmed using techniques such as AFM, TEM, SEM, etc.
The DNA origami technique was chosen as a linker between the components due to the numerous advantages it offers in scability, functionality, and the precise assembly of nanostructures. One of the most advantageous reasons behind choosing a 6HB DNA origami structure was due to the fact that it allows for enough spacing to avoid alterations on the hydrodynamic motion of the motor and the flexibility it adds to the system. Its rigidity allows the system to remain intact upon the application of the magnetic field.
Various microscopy techniques and analytical techniques were used to successfully demonstrate the conjugation of the successful assembly of the Nanorover. This work is an approach to engineer different fields of science at nanoscale in a modular fashion.