Nanoscale manipulation and patterning usually require costly and sensitive top-down techniques such as those used in scanning probe microscopies or in semiconductor lithography. DNA nanotechnology enables exploration of bottom-up fabrication and has previously been used to design self-assembling components capable of linear and rotary motion. In this work, we combine three independently controllable DNA origami linear actuators to create a nanoscale robotic printer. The two-axis positioning mechanism comprises a moveable gantry, running on parallel rails, threading a mobile sleeve. We show that the device is capable of reversibly positioning a write head over a canvas through the addition of signaling oligonucleotides. We demonstrate “write” functionality by using the head to catalyze a local DNA strand–exchange reaction, selectively modifying pixels on a canvas. This work demonstrates the power of DNA nanotechnology for creating nanoscale robotic components and could find application in surface manufacturing, biophysical studies, and templated chemistry.

中文翻译：

---

一种能够在二维中进行可编程定位和图案化的 DNA 分子打印机

纳米级操作和图案化通常需要昂贵且敏感的自上而下技术，例如用于扫描探针显微镜或半导体光刻的技术。DNA 纳米技术能够探索自下而上的制造，并且以前已被用于设计能够进行线性和旋转运动的自组装组件。在这项工作中，我们结合了三个独立可控的 DNA 折纸线性致动器来创建纳米级机器人打印机。两轴定位机构包括一个可移动的龙门架，在平行导轨上运行，穿过一个移动套筒。我们表明，该设备能够通过添加信号寡核苷酸将写入头可逆地定位在画布上。我们通过使用头部催化局部 DNA 链交换反应来展示“写入”功能，有选择地修改画布上的像素。这项工作展示了 DNA 纳米技术在创建纳米级机器人组件方面的强大功能，并且可以在表面制造、生物物理研究和模板化学中找到应用。