We spatially organize biomolecular systems, using DNA nanotechnology, proteins & peptide self-assembly, and external fields, to achieve material functionality with nanoscale molecular precision.
Nature builds materials of extraordinary complexity (bone, nacre, spider silk) through hierarchically organized nanoscale components. In the Arnon Lab, we aim to do the same. We seek to program precise architectures spanning six orders of magnitude in length scale: from individual DNA strands to millimeter-scale ordered structures, with each level of organization encoding new mechanical, optical, or biological function.
DNA strands can be programmed to precisely interact with other DNA strands attached to proteins, nanoparticles, polymers, and more, making DNA a universal molecular handle for positioning functional cargo.
By folding a long DNA scaffold with hundreds of short staple strands, we create rigid 3D frames (octahedra, cubes, tetrahedra) with defined attachment sites for nanocargo at nanometer precision.
DNA origami frames self-assemble into ordered superlattice crystals whose symmetry and lattice parameters are encoded in the DNA sequence. Each frame in the lattice retains its functional nanocargo intact.
Surface patterning and acoustic standing waves organize superlattice crystals into millimeter-scale ordered architectures, bridging six orders of magnitude from molecule to material.
Four interconnected directions, one overarching question: how does nanoscale design determine macroscale function?
We construct nanoscale building blocks (octahedra, cubes, tetrahedra) by folding a scaffold DNA strand with hundreds of short staple strands. These programmable frames carry functional nanocargo at defined positions with nanometer-scale precision.
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The Spatial Enzymatic Activation (SEA) platform co-localizes a two-enzyme cascade at tumor tissue using DNA origami nanoframes. A dual-masked prodrug activates only where both enzymes overlap, decoupling drug delivery from drug activation for spatially controlled cancer therapy.
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DNA origami frames self-assemble into superlattice crystals with tunable parameters. Each origami frame can carry nanocargo that will give it its function. Organization of these lattices using surface patterning and external fields enables programmability across six orders of length magnitude.
Learn more →We’re excited to announce that the lab has been awarded a Beresheet Grant from the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) to support our project, "Programmable Spatial Enzymatic Activation Enabled by DNA Nanotechnology." The work will use DNA origami to spatially organize enzymatic drug activation directly at the tumor interface, aiming to widen the therapeutic window for cancer therapeutics.
Tri-tyrosine peptides assemble into amorphous glass with unique self-healing, optical, and adhesive properties, entirely governed by nanoscale molecular network.
Finkelstein-Zuta* & Arnon* et al., Nature 630, 368–374
Read paper →Surface standing acoustic waves organize DNA superlattices into millimeter-scale ordered architectures, maintaining nanoscale precision across six orders of magnitude in length scale.
Arnon et al., Nat. Commun. 15, 6875
Read paper →Minor DNA sequence changes trigger complete crystallographic phase transitions between simple cubic, FCC, BCC and amorphous states, revealing how molecular design programs multiscale crystal structure.
Redeker* & Arnon* et al., in review
Read preprint →Presented at the Foundations of Nanoscience (FNANO) conference in Munich, organized by the BioSysteM Cluster of Excellence. An excellent gathering of the DNA nanotechnology and programmable matter community.
Arnon Lab, FNANO 2026, Munich
See post →We are seeking outstanding and motivated students at all academic stages: undergraduate, M.Sc., Ph.D., and postdocs, to join us in building programmable bionanomaterials at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. If you are curious, rigorous, and excited about translating molecular precision into real-world function, we invite you to join us.
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