DNA-based Nanorobotic Hand Revolutionizes Detection and Preventive Medicine for the Virus
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Researchers at the laboratories of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are reporting on advancement in micro-bioparticle handling. Termed the NanoGripper, these are DNA-based nanorobotic hands designed to detect and prevent viruses, including COVID-19. Inspired by the movements of bird claws and human hands, this innovation brings forward precise virus detection and, in the process, also preventive applications that may redefine diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, and antiviral therapies.
Imitation of Nature: Science Behind NanoGripper
The NanoGripper, in one strand of DNA composed with the origami technology, consists of four articulated digits with a central palm. Three-jointed elbows allow the movement in the digital directions in precise steps imitating gripping motions in systems. This nanoscale manipulation device is powered by DNA aptamers, which have selective affinity for specific molecular targets, including the spike protein of COVID-19. After binding, the digits flex, thereby enveloping the viral entity.
DNA was considered the main material because its unique structural properties include strength and flexibility along with programmability. Compared to traditional approaches of DNA nanotechnology that utilise both static and dynamic components but not in unison in one structure, achieving this single step folding is spectacular.
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NanoGripper has four fingers and a palm, all folded from one piece of DNA.
Rapid Virus Detection with Photonic Crystal Sensors
The researchers collaborated with experts in electrical engineering to develop a rapid detection system for COVID-19 using the NanoGripper. They developed a testing procedure that can produce results within 30 minutes by combining this device with a photonic crystal sensor. This innovative system has sensitivity comparable to that of established qPCR tests but simplifies the overall procedure. When the NanoGripper captures a virus, it causes fluorescent molecules to emit light once illuminated, allowing the detection system to count individual viruses.
This approach has advantages because it is much more sensitive than current at home tests and far less time consuming than the hospital-based methods.
Preventing Infection: A Vision for Antiviral Therapies
Beyond diagnostics, the NanoGripper also has great potential in preventive medicine. In lab experiments, NanoGrippers have been demonstrated to block COVID-19 viruses from binding to cell receptors and prevent infection. This might open the door to novel solutions such as antiviral nasal sprays, which could shield the respiratory tract from pathogens such as influenza and COVID-19.
This flexibility means that NanoGripper can be designed to target other viruses, for example, influenza, HIV, and hepatitis B. The application of this technology can also be geared toward targeted drug delivery, so it can be designed to recognize cancer markers and transport therapies directly to cancerous cells, avoiding off-target effects.
Paving The Way for Soft Nanorobotics
NanoGripper’s versatility is something that highlights the potential that DNA-based soft nanorobotics has in the medicinal context. Although there is the need for adjustment of 3D structure, stability and targeting mechanisms, the sensibility and functionality demonstrated represent strong foundations for future advancements.
The NanoGripper provides evidence of the integration of biology and engineering, offering innovative solutions to some of the more burning issues in healthcare. Its capacity for detection, blocking, and even potential targeted therapies means it has far-reaching implications, and in its nascent stages, its successes within diagnostics and preventive medicine truly show the transformative nature that nanotechnology is playing within science today. This is indeed one such innovation which gives evidence that interdisciplinary approaches are necessary for attacking global health issues.
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