Motivation

DNA nanotechnology provides a unique, powerful toolset to approach nanoscale design with a programmability and versatility typically not achievable through other self-assembly approaches. Its ability to interface with both inorganic and organic nanoscale objects has driven a rapid expansion of interest in both fundamental and application-based research. This range of research and associated vast parameter spaces means that synthesis methodologies can vary greatly across groups and disciplines, and that within a given synthesis experiment only a small parameter space is explored. As access to the molecular design methods, nanomaterials integration and applications, and robotics-guided automated experimentation has expanded, the number of possible experiments has increased, yet our approach to experimentation has not fundamentally changed to better direct such automation. 

The workshop will bring the researchers across the spectrum of DNA nanotechnology look beyond benchtop experimentation to address the need for fully digital self-assembly methodologies. As the field moves from proof-of-concept work into application, it is necessary to develop a relationship between the materials and designed assembly pathways that can interface with robotic assembly platforms. In bringing together industry and academic scientists from nanoscience, chemistry, materials science, biology, and physics to explore how DNA nanotechnology enables their work, we can further define the design-structure-function relationship.

Finally, the workshop will discuss opportunities for establishing a community facility and hub for DNA-based nanomaterials design, consisting of an information and materials database that can interact with a fully digitized fabrication and advanced characterization platform.