Molecular Robot Programmed With DNA

Researchers in Japan have designed a small robotic system that can move like a living cell. The system is the size and consistency of an amoeba. It has a fluid-filled sac that contains both biological and chemical components. The molecular components work together to strengthen the shape of the sac, creating a cell-like motion. It has the ability to detect toxins, check the surface of other cells or the contents of a Petri dish. One of the robot's inventors, Shin-ichiro Nomura, has figured out a way to package and ship the robots as a kit to other scientists so that they can incorporate their own components. His goal is to build a complex molecular robot with controllable motility.

Though researchers have already developed nanoscale robots that can move and communicate within the body, they are different from Nomura's recent invention. His robot is entirely composed of biological and chemical components, and it is controlled by DNA. The structure of the robot is fairly simple. A lipid membrane serves as the robot's body, while special proteins inside bump into the membrane, forming its circular shape. This happens when kinesin and microtubule proteins connect to the membrane by a light sensitive DNA. When the light shines into the robot, it cleaves into a single strand. The microtubules slide along the kinesin proteins with adenosine triphosphate. As it slides, it punches the bot's membrane causing it to change shape.
Video:
http://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/celllike-robot-programmable-with-dna

Source:http://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/celllike-robot-programmable-with-dna