DNA-directed hydrogel deformation*

DNA polymerization reactions within DNA-crosslinked hydrogels can direct the dramatic shape change of DNA-crosslinked hydrogels, leading of up to 100-fold changes in gel volume. The well-understood kinetics
and thermodynamics of these reactions and of DNA transport make it possible to design a myriad of molecular scale reactions and to study the emergent shape-change behavior of these reactions at the millimeter scale. And because DNA molecules can be coupled to molecular sensors, amplifiers, and logic circuits, understanding DNA-directed hydrogel shape change introduces the possibility of building soft devices that respond to diverse biochemical inputs and autonomously implement chemical control programs.