DNA has been well-known for its applications in programmable self-assembly of materials. Nonetheless, utility of DNA origami, which offers more opportunity to realize complicated operations, has been very limited. Here we report self-assembly of a biomolecular motor system, microtubule-kinesin mediated by DNA origami nanostructures. We demonstrate that a rodlike DNA origami motif facilitates self-assembly of microtubules into asters. A smooth-muscle like molecular contraction system has also been realized using the DNA origami in which self-assembled microtubules exhibited fast and dynamic contraction in the presence of kinesins through an energy dissipative process. This work provides potential nanotechnological applications of DNA and biomolecular motor proteins.
Keywords: Artificial muscle; DNA origami; kinesin; microtubule; molecular engine; self-organization.