Engineering Non-Linear Mechanical Advantage in DNA Nanostructures: A Wireframe Adaptation of a Lamina Emergent Mechanism

Abstract

Despite significant advances in DNA nanotechnology, dynamic DNA nanostructures have continued to predominantly rely on hinged motion with linear mechanical responses as achieving more sophisticated non-linear mechanical behaviors presents significant challenges. Here, we present a DNA origami lever with a non-linear mechanical advantage that is adapted from a lamina emergent mechanism. The macroscale compliant mechanism is adapted to a wireframe DNA origami structure through strategic bundle placement and single-stranded DNA joints. This structure presents a variable mechanical advantage across its range of motion, where input displacements at the handle produce amplified displacements at the jaws. The kinematics of the structure emerge from its spatial configuration rather than from the design of its joints. Through this adaptation, we show that geometric constraints and spatial relationships can generate complex motion while maintaining relative structural simplicity. This approach represents a paradigm shift in DNA structural design, demonstrating a new avenue for achieving sophisticated mechanical behaviors through geometric configurations rather than complex joint design or through hierarchical arrangement of multiple mechanical components with coordinated behaviors. Moreover, it presents a roadmap for the future adaptation of such systems.