A Rotary DNA Mazzocchio Nanostructure

Abstract

DNA nanotechnology offers architectures ranging from compact motifs to scaffolded origami, with trade-offs in structural complexity, addressability, and component economy. Here, we translate Leonardo da Vinci’s mazzocchio geometry into a programmable DNA assembly. Twenty distinct DNA strands hierarchically assemble into a toroid comprising 32 repeating octagonal subunits. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy support formation of the designed architecture while revealing flexibility at intersubunit connections. The toroid was coupled to a triangular DNA origami platform through 12 DNA walkers distributed among three vertices. Sequential toehold-mediated strand displacement altered the attachment topology between the two structures, generating three docking configurations. Gel electrophoresis and ensemble fluorescence measurements produced the expected state-dependent responses, consistent with programmed repositioning. This work expands the design space of dynamic DNA nanotechnology through coupling of a material-efficient toroidal architecture with the spatial addressability of origami, establishing a versatile platform for reconfigurable nanoscale devices.