RESEARCH

DNA can be precisely assembled into complex nanostructures due to its programmability based on Watson-Crick base pairing. 

My research focuses on designing and characterizing DNA nanostructures, particularly using DNA origami techniques. I am especially interested in shape transformation and actuation mechanisms driven by DNA strand interactions, pH variations, and photoreactions. I aim to develop these approaches to enable dynamic and responsive nanostructures with potential applications in nanorobotics, targeted drug delivery, and smart materials. 

Beyond nanostructures, DNA serves as a versatile building block for larger-scale assemblies such as hydrogels. DNA hydrogels can be engineered into stimuli-responsive materials with shape memory, volume expansion and condensation, and selective cargo loading through sequence-dictated interactions.

My research explores the design and utilization of DNA hydrogels, focusing on their structural properties, volume change behavior, and role in supporting DNA nanostructures. In the future, I aim to expand my work to more complex assembled structures to enhance material functionality and adaptability.

Finally, I investigate the functional and biological applications of DNA-based materials, including DNA nanostructures and hydrogels. My research focuses on enzymatic responses, particularly by inducing volume changes in DNA hydrogels and functionalizing DNA nanostructures with specific chemical groups. In the future, I aim to extend my work toward biological applications utilizing dynamic DNA-based materials.