Design of Bio-Hybrid Metamaterials via DNA and Metalloprotein Voxel Formation and Assembly

The goal of this project is to develop a new basic building block, called a “bio-hybrid-voxel” (BHV) to eventually organize into bio-hybrid metamaterials with macroscopic dimensions. These BHVs will be comprised of an inorganic (i.e. metal oxide) core unit cell (i.e. dodecahedron) and a low-molecular weight protein passivation (Laminin, Fibronectin, Ferritin). The protein coatings will be designed to adhere to the DNA origami patterns on a substrate, whereby the DNA strands self-assemble into user-defined shapes with nanoscale features. We are developing a method of origami pattern formation and transfer that preserves the size and resolution of the shapes.