Versatile Computer Aided Design of Freeform DNA Nanostructures and Assemblies

Abstract

Recent advances in structural DNA nanotechnology have been facilitated by design tools that continue to push the limits of structural complexity while simplifying an often-tedious design process. We recently introduced the software MagicDNA, which enables design of complex 3D DNA assemblies with many components; however, the design of structures with freeform features like vertices or curvature still required iterative design guided by simulation feedback and user intuition. Here, we present an updated design tool, MagicDNA 2.0, that automates the design of freeform 3D geometries, leveraging design models informed by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our GUI-based, stepwise design approach integrates a high level of automation with versatile control over assembly and sub-component design parameters. We experimentally validated this approach by fabricating a range of DNA origami assemblies with complex freeform geometries, including a 3D Nozzle, G-clef, and Hilbert and Trifolium curves, confirming excellent agreement between design input, simulation, and structure formation.