Research

We focus on constructing DNA-based molecular devices and artificial molecular systems composed of multiple molecular devices based on DNA nanotechnology. We combine DNA nanotechnology and other techniques such as chemical modification of DNA, lipid vesicle technology, biophysical phenomena, and molecular computing. The ultimate goal of our study is to construct artificial molecular systems that are comparable or beyond living systems, i.e., cells. It will enable us to understand the border of life and materials and provide new techniques for tiny-sized engineering.

DNA nanotechnology

DNA is generally recognized as genetic material. On the other hand, DNA can be used as an engineering material at a molecular scale. Thanks to specific Watson-Crick base pairing, we can design DNA interaction, enabling us to construct designed-nanostructures, microstructures, and computing devices. We are using DNA to develop molecular devices and to investigate biophysical phenomena.

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Molecular Robotics

We aim to construct molecular robots that function autonomously and do some tasks. Particularly, our interest is to create a cell-like molecular robot. To this end, we need to develop new functional molecular devices and establish a way to integrate the molecular devices as a system. 

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