The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
A DNA nanorobot that was created by French researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research of France, the National Center for Scientific Research, and the University of Montpellier will enable us to study how cells react to mechanical action under both healthy and unhealthy conditions.
Recent research has revealed that mechanical pressure can also cause cells to react.
There are specific mechanoreceptors for this, whose disruption is linked to a variety of illnesses, including malignant tumours. However, because the instruments for mechanical action on cells need to be exceedingly sensitive, studying such processes is technically challenging.
Making DNA nanorobots, among which was created by French biochemists, is one of the solutions.
Due to the characteristics of DNA, it may spontaneously assemble from pre-made blocks into a three-dimensional structure; this method is known as “DNA-origami.” The robot can examine the surface of the cells in the human body thanks to its extremely small size (approximately 1 nm).
The nanorobot has a chemical attached to it that communicates with the target mechanoreceptors. Once he locates them, he can use a mechanical effect to affect them while precisely estimating his strength. The force that was applied to the cell with its assistance was 1 pkN, or one trillionth of the force required to flick a finger on a fountain pen. Before nanorobot, no one had ever been able to reach such accuracy.
By incorporating the capability to operate the robot via a magnetic field, the work’s creators hope to advance its progress. Furthermore, the cells of living things prevent the development of free DNA and degrade it with the aid of specialised enzymes.
Parvathy Sukumaran 
