US scientists create microscopic 'flower robots' for drug delivery

Scientists at the University of North Carolina have developed microscopic "DNA flower" robots—soft, flower-shaped structures made from hybrid crystals combining DNA with inorganic materials like gold or graphene oxide. These nanoscale robots can rapidly fold and unfold in response to environmental stimuli such as changes in acidity, temperature, or chemical signals. This reversible motion, guided by the programmable nature of DNA assembly, allows the DNA flowers to perform adaptive tasks including molecule delivery, triggering chemical reactions, and interacting with biological tissues. The research aims to mimic natural adaptive behaviors seen in living organisms, such as coral movements and blossoming petals, by creating artificial systems capable of sensing and reacting dynamically at a microscopic scale. Potential applications include targeted drug delivery inside the body, minimally invasive biopsies, clearing blood clots, and environmental cleanup by responding to pollutants. Although still in early stages, these DNA flower robots represent a promising new class of soft nanorobots that combine biological programming with stable inorganic components to repeatedly transform shape without structural loss, opening