Researchers from Ohio State University have developed software that is able to produce DNA robots in a very short space of time.

In a process that would usually take days, the team are able to design the nanodevices in minutes thanks to this new tool according to an article on Ohio State News – a tool called MagicDNA.

A DNA robot is a structure of combined strands of DNA which can be constructed into a variety of different shapes.

Furthermore, not only has this software enabled a quicker timeframe of production, but it has also unearthed the potential to create more complex DNA robots too. For example, the team from Ohio State created models that resembled robot arms and even an aeroplane-like structure.

“Previously, we could build devices with up to about six individual components and connect them with joints and hinges and try to make them execute complex motions,” said Hai-Jun Su, who is a co-author of this study.

“With this software, it is not hard to make robots or other devices with upwards of 20 components that are much easier to control. It is a huge step in our ability to design nanodevices that can perform the complex actions that we want them to do.”

In the future, the team believe that this software has the potential to grow in popularity.

“There is getting to be more and more commercial interest in DNA nanotechnology,” said Carlos Castro, a co-author of the study and associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Ohio State. 

“I think in the next five to 10 years we will start seeing commercial applications of DNA nanodevices and we are optimistic that this software can help drive that.”