Get ready for DNA-based computer chips! Soon, the genetic material of our life, DNA will help engineers build faster and cheaper magnetic chips of computers, with the help of ‘DNA origami.’ The Brigham Young University researchers reported that DNA might help accomplish this goal when it is formed into specific shapes through a process reminiscent of the ancient art of paper folding.

Adam T Woolley, professor of chemistry at BYU said that they are planning to use DNA’s very small size, base-pairing capabilities and ability to self-assemble, and direct it to make nanoscale structures that could be used for electronics.”

He further explains that the smallest features on chips currently produced by electronic manufacturers are 14-nanometer wide, which is 10 times larger than the diameter of single-stranded DNA. This gives a lot of scope to use this genetic material for smaller-scale chips in near future.

“The problem, however, is that DNA does not conduct electricity very well. So we use the DNA as a scaffold and then assemble other materials on the DNA to form electronics,” Woolley added.

To design computer chips similar in function to those that Silicon Valley churns out, Woolley, in collaboration with Robert C Davis and John N. Harb at BYU, is working on other groups’ prior work on DNA origami and DNA nanofabrication.

The researchers presented this incredible work at the 251st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in San Diego, California, on Sunday.