Work

DNA Photofluids: An Innovative Breakthrough in Mimicking Cellular Life Behaviors

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Current molecular machines face substantial challenges in coordinating their actions in space and time to generate cell-like macroscopic motions. A recent study in Nature Materials introduced a light-responsive artificial DNA nanomachine based on liquid–liquid phase separation technology—photofluids. By applying different light stimuli for spatiotemporal control, this nanomachine system successfully mimics typical cellular behaviors such as division, deformation, pseudopod extension, and rotation at the macroscopic scale for the first time. This study represents an innovative pathway from energy conversion at the molecular level to cell-like motion at the macroscopic level.

Source: Research

DOI: 10.34133/research.0845

Authors: Rui Wang, Wenguo Cui, Xinliang Chen

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Ruijin Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China