Search Results (129)

Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) are widely used in applications requiring safe and compliant interaction; however, achieving bidirectional motion within a compact and predictable architecture remains a key challenge. Existing approaches typically rely on antagonistic actuator pairs or multi-chamber designs, which increase system complexity and control requirements, while single-chamber solutions often lack robust analytical models to predict their mechanical response. In this work, a Bidirectional Origami-Inspired Soft Pneumatic Actuator (Bi-OSPA) is proposed to achieve both elongation and contraction within a single-chamber structure, where the direction of motion is governed solely by the applied pressure (vacuum or positive). The actuator leverages origami-inspired geometry, allowing deformation to be primarily described through folding kinematics, which facilitates analytical modeling. An analytical framework is developed to predict actuator deformation as well as the corresponding elastic and output forces based on geometric parameters and pressure input, and is validated experimentally, showing good agreement across the displacement range. Furthermore, the effects of key design parameters on displacement and force output are investigated and characterized. The proposed Bi-OSPA combines structural predictive capability and bidirectional functionality, providing a foundation for the design and optimization of soft actuators. Its versatility is further demonstrated through applications in achieving pure twisting when integrated with a Kresling origami unit and as an actuation unit for a one-degree-of-freedom robotic finger enabling flexion and extension. Full article

Bending actuators are key components in soft robotics and other engineering applications where compact, reversible, and biomimetic motion is required. Although many bending actuators have been identified, the literature remains fragmented, with most studies organized by material type, activation principle, or application domain. This review adopts a configuration-based perspective and classifies bending actuators by geometric architecture rather than by actuation technology. Representative actuators from the literature were analyzed and grouped according to geometric mechanisms that convert input energy into curvature. The analysis reveals that diverse actuator technologies repeatedly rely on a set of recurring configuration families, including laminated, tubular, internal chambers, rolled, origami/kirigami, articulated, and hybrid structures. By emphasizing geometry, the proposed taxonomy clarifies the structural origins of bending motion and enables cross-technology comparison of bending actuators. Full article

As origami-inspired solutions become more mature in spacecraft structures and applications, new alternatives are arising for traditional designs, allowing for creative and innovative answers to common problems. In this work, we look into space telescopes, one of the most feasible applications for new tubular solutions, using origami structures to propose the design of a self-retractable baffle. An element needed for mitigating both in-field and out-of-field stray light and helping to improve the image quality of the optical system. This baffle is rethought as a tubular, origami-inspired structure, built over a Kresling origami pattern. This choice can be traced back to the properties such structure has to offer: bi-stability, packaging ratio and controllability. Thus, it is becoming a promising alternative to standard baffles and helping to reduce key factors in spacecraft design, such as weight and complexity of the optomechanical mechanism. To demonstrate its effectiveness in an optical system, the professional software ASAP (Advanced System Analysis Program) is utilised to assess the optical performance of the new baffle design. As a result, we verify the applicability of these patterns and, therefore, the whole structure from an optical point of view, confirming the interest of its application as a telescope baffle. This solution also allows moving and modifying the inclination, shape or size of the baffle, selecting the amount of screening and light incidence into the telescope in a controlled manner depending on the orbit and attitude of interest. Full article

Biosensors have evolved significantly since their invention in the mid-twentieth century. From a simple electrochemical device to the current inclusion of AI, these sophisticated tools are capable of label-free, real-time multiplex detection. To make these sensing systems even more powerful, the incorporation of DNA origami has allowed this technology to become extremely precise, recognisable, and programmable to a range of molecules. This paper systematically summarises the incorporation of DNA origami with biosensors such as fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and electrochemical sensors as well as approaches that are used to design DNA origami nanostructures. These tools allow a range of targets to be detected, ranging from small molecules to larger biological species. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that DNA origami-based biosensors provide high sensitivity; precise spatial control; and rapid, modular detection capabilities. Furthermore, their versatility enables applications across a diverse range of sectors. However, key challenges including limited reproducibility, structural instability, photobleaching, and non-specific binding continue to hinder their widespread adoption. This review proposes future directions aimed at overcoming key limitations, including enhancing biocompatibility and structural stability, to support the development of more advanced and clinical point-of-care-applicable biosensors. Full article

The efficacy of traditional antimicrobial treatments has been largely compromised due to the high occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, therefore underlining the limitations of existing drug delivery mechanisms. Pathogens resist pharmacological treatment via different mechanisms, including efflux pump overexpression, biofilm formation, and enzymatic destruction. The application of nanorobotics or controllable nanoscale devices has gained considerable attention for overcoming shortcomings while connecting biomedical engineering, materials science, and microbiology. Despite advancements in nanomedicine, there is still no suitable nanorobotic system applicable against MDR pathogens. Previous studies highlighted device categories and materials but did not explain the detailed nanorobotic mobility, sensing, and programmability to counteract biological resistance. This review combines cross-disciplinary discoveries to design a mechanistic and translational model for nanorobotics effective in controlling infectious diseases while focusing on the advancements in nanorobotic technologies over the past six years (2020–2025), with emphasis on translational readiness, biosafety issues, scalability, regulation, and their mechanistic ability to overwhelm MDR complications. Databases from different publishers, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to select studies focusing on the potential of emerging nanorobotic therapeutic technologies, such as magnetic microrobots, catalytic nanoswimmers, and DNA origami nanodevices, and their application to bacterial biofilms and antibiotic drug delivery. Evidence from the literature shows that magnetically driven microrobots, catalytic nanoswimmers, and DNA origami structures can actively destroy biofilms, enhance antibiotic penetration, and perform site-specific antimicrobial administration. Nevertheless, most of these innovations remain in the preclinical or prototype stage, hindered by biosafety issues, immunological reactivity, poor routing precision, energy source optimization, and a lack of regulatory and ethical frameworks, which are major challenges for clinical translation. Full article

Nanobodies (VHHs or single-domain antibodies) are powerful affinity reagents, but their routine use is often limited by production constraints and by the lack of a conserved Fc region for secondary detection. We describe a simplified strategy in which functional GST–nanobody fusion proteins are expressed directly in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli Origami^TM 2 (DE3), a strain that supports disulfide bond formation through trxB/gor mutations. Using well-characterized nanobodies against GFP (Lag2) and mCherry (C11), we designed N-terminal GST fusions and confirmed by AlphaFold3-based modeling that both constructs preserve the GST fold and the VHH (Variable domain of the Heavy-chain antibody of Heavy-chain-only antibodies) β-sandwich with defined CDR loops and a predicted intradomain disulfide bond. Following IPTG induction and purification by glutathione affinity and size-exclusion chromatography, we obtained soluble GST-nb-GFP and GST-nb-mCherry at ~8–12 mg/L. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed nanomolar binding to their antigens (K_d ~123 nM for GFP and ~199 nM for mCherry). Consistent with conformational epitope recognition, GST-nanobodies were reactive in native-state dot blots but not in denaturing Western blots under the conditions tested. The GST moiety enabled indirect immunofluorescence via anti-GST antibodies, yielding specific labeling of GFP- or mCherry-tagged TGN38 in HeLa and H4 cells. Finally, we demonstrate “GST-nanobody pulldown” as a robust method for affinity capture from cell lysates. Together, this platform provides a low-cost, versatile route to functional nanobody reagents without requiring tag removal, and complements other nanobody designs (e.g., VHH-Fc fusions) in an application-dependent manner. Full article

Lamina Emergent Torsional (LET) arrays can be used to replace creases in origami-based mechanisms. They can be made of planar materials, which makes them compatible with many designs. However, LET arrays can take up a lot of area and can exhibit significant parasitic motion, which makes them less ideal for some applications, such as in origami-based robotics and deployable space structures. This work presents a compact variation of the conventional LET array, which resolves these issues. An experimental method for fabricating these compact LET arrays, or C-LET arrays, from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer is given. Deflection models for C-LET array torsion segments, with and without interference with other torsion segments, are given. Bending stress and shear stress equations are provided, and the deflection models are combined into a final model that can solve for the deflections of multiple torsion segments in series. The concepts described are demonstrated in a prototype origami-based deployable reflectarray incorporating C-LET arrays. The prototype demonstrates that C-LET arrays provide the desired motion while maximizing the usable area of the deployable reflectarray. Full article

DNA nanoparticles have emerged as potent platforms for wearable and implantable biosensors owing to their molecular programmability, biocompatibility, and structural precision. This study delineates two principal categories of DNA-based sensing materials, DNA hydrogels and DNA origami, and encapsulates their fabrication methodologies, sensing mechanisms, and applications at the device level. DNA hydrogels serve as pliable, aqueous signal transduction mediums exhibiting stimulus-responsive characteristics, facilitating applications such as sweat-based cytokine detection with limits of detection as low as pg·mL⁻¹ and microneedle-integrated hydrogels for femtomolar miRNA sensing. DNA origami offers nanometer-scale spatial precision that improves electrochemical, optical, and plasmonic biosensing, as shown by origami-facilitated luminous nucleic acid detection and ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA assays with fM-level sensitivity. Emerging integration technologies, such as flexible electronics, microfluidics, and wireless readout, are examined, alongside prospective developments in AI-assisted DNA design and materials produced from synthetic biology. This study offers a thorough and practical viewpoint on the progression of DNA nanotechnology for next-generation wearable and implantable biosensing devices. Full article

With the rapid advancement of detection technologies, traditional static electromagnetic absorbers increasingly struggle to meet controllable stealth requirements across diverse dynamic environments. To achieve active and controllable modulation of electromagnetic reflection characteristics, this paper proposes a transparent reconfigurable metamaterial absorber based on an origami structure. By adjusting the folding angles of the indium tin oxide (ITO)-polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, the structure achieves reversible deformation from the vertical state to the horizontal state. This enables continuous modulation of the reflectance from below −10 dB (absorbing state) to nearly 0 dB (reflecting state) within the 4–18.9 GHz frequency range, with a relative bandwidth exceeding 130% and excellent angular stability. The energy loss and current distribution under different states are analyzed, revealing the mechanisms behind broadband absorption and deep modulation. Experimental measurements of the fabricated metamaterial align well with simulation results. Leveraging its flexible structure, reversible modulation capability, and angular stability, this origami-inspired reconfigurable metamaterial demonstrates promising application potential in the fields of adaptive electromagnetic camouflage and stealth protection. Full article

Since the introduction of the DNA origami technology by Seeman and Rothemund, the integration of functional entities (nanoparticles, quantum dots, antibodies, etc.) has been of huge interest to broaden the area of applications for this technology. The possibility of precise functionalization of the DNA origami technology gives opportunity to build up complex novel structures, opening up endless opportunities in medicine, nanotechnology, photonics and many more. The main advantage of the DNA origami technology, namely the self-assembly mechanism, can represent a challenge in the construction of complex mixed-material structures. Commonly, DNA origami structures are purified post-assembly by filtration (either spin columns or membranes) to wash away excess staple strands. However, this purification step can be critical since these functionalized DNA origami structures tend to agglomerate during purification. Therefore, custom production and purification procedures need to be applied to produce purified functionalized DNA origami structures. In this paper, we present a workflow to produce functionalized DNA origami structures, as well as a method to qualify the successful hybridization of a quantum dot to a square frame DNA origami structure. Through the utilization of a FRET fluorophore–quencher pair as well as a subsequent assembly, successful hybridization can be performed and confirmed using photoluminescence measurements. Full article

Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) are soft actuators that mimic the contractile behavior of biological muscles through fluid-driven deformation. Originating from McKibben’s 1950s braided design, PAMs have evolved into a diverse class of actuators, offering high power-to-weight ratios, compliance, and safe human interaction, with applications spanning rehabilitation, assistive robotics, aerospace, and adaptive structures. This review surveys recent developments in actuation mechanisms and applications of PAMs. Traditional designs, including braided, pleated, netted, and embedded types, remain widely used but face challenges such as hysteresis, limited contraction, and nonlinear control. To address these limitations, researchers have introduced non-traditional mechanisms such as vacuum-powered, inverse, foldable, origami-based, reconfigurable, and hybrid PAMs. These innovations improve the contraction range, efficiency, control precision, and integration into compact or untethered systems. This review also highlights applications beyond conventional biomechanics and automation, including embodied computation, deployable aerospace systems, and adaptive architecture. Collectively, these advances demonstrate PAMs’ expanding role as versatile soft actuators. Ongoing research is expected to refine material durability, control strategies, and multifunctionality, enabling the next generation of wearable devices, soft robots, and energy-efficient adaptive systems. Full article

Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic fungal pathogen responsible for gray mold, poses a severe threat to over 1400 plant species, causing significant pre- and postharvest losses worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies, particularly spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. However, the application of naked double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) suffers from poor stability and low cellular uptake. In this study, we engineered a self-assembling triangular RNA nanoparticle, termed Bc-triangle, targeting four virulence genes of B. cinerea—BcDCL1, BcPPI10, BcNMT1 and BcBAC. The nanostructure was designed using RNA origami principles and produced in Escherichia coli. Functional assays demonstrated that Bc-triangle significantly inhibited conidial germination and mycelial growth in vitro, and markedly reduced disease severity in plants. Compared with linear dsRNA, Bc-triangle showed superior persistence and efficacy, with lesion area reduction sustained up to 10 days post-spraying. qRT-PCR analysis revealed substantial downregulation of the target genes, especially BcNMT1, indicating enhanced RNAi activation. These findings establish RNA nanotechnology as a powerful platform for transgene-free, programmable, and sustainable control of fungal pathogens in crop production. Full article

This study presents an analytical investigation of the thermomechanical stability of hyperbolic doubly curved shells reinforced with graphene origami auxetic metamaterials (GOAMs) and resting on a Pasternak elastic foundation. The proposed model integrates shell geometry, thermal–mechanical loading, and architected auxetic reinforcement to capture their coupled influence on buckling behavior. Stability equations are derived using the First-Order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) and the principle of virtual work, while the effective thermoelastic properties of the GOAM phase are obtained through micromechanical homogenization as functions of folding angle, mass fraction, and spatial distribution. Closed-form eigenvalue solutions are achieved with Navier’s method for simply supported boundaries. The results reveal that GOAM reinforcement enhances the critical buckling load at low folding angles, whereas higher folding induces compliance that diminishes stability. The Pasternak shear layer significantly improves buckling resistance up to about 46% with pronounced effects in asymmetrically graded configurations. Compared with conventional composite shells, the proposed GOAM-reinforced shells exhibit tunable, folding-dependent stability responses. These findings highlight the potential of origami-inspired graphene metamaterials for designing lightweight, thermally stable thin-walled structures in aerospace morphing skins and multifunctional mechanical systems. Full article

This study focuses on the energy absorption characteristics of hierarchical origami honeycomb structures. By combining experimental and numerical simulation methods, it deeply explores their mechanical properties and energy absorption potential. This research emphasizes analyzing the influence of geometric parameters (including wall thickness, folding angle, multi-layer structure design, etc.) on bearing capacity, stiffness, and energy absorption efficiency and reveals the advantages of hierarchical design in regulating gradient stiffness. The results show that the energy absorption capacity and performance of the material can be significantly improved through the reasonable optimization of geometric parameters. This research provides important theoretical support for the design of high-efficiency energy-absorbing materials and innovative solutions for energy absorption problems in related engineering applications. Full article

Biosensing plays a vital role in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety, enabling highly sensitive and specific detection of diverse biological and chemical targets. However, conventional biosensing platforms still suffer from limited sensitivity, poor nanoscale resolution, and restricted multiplexed or dynamic detection capabilities. DNA origami, as an emerging bottom-up nanofabrication strategy, enables the construction of programmable nanostructures with high spatial precision. This capability allows the rational arrangement of functional molecules at the nanoscale, thereby offering significant advantages for biosensing applications. Specifically, DNA origami can enhance signal amplification, improve spatial resolution, and enable multiplexed detection under complex conditions. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of recent advances in the application of DNA origami across various classes of biosensors, including microscopy-based biosensors, nanopore biosensors, electrochemical biosensors, fluorescent biosensors, SERS biosensors, and other related biosensors. We aim for this review to advance the development of DNA origami-based biosensing and to provide new insights for researchers working in related fields. Full article