Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that two fundamental modes of cellular deformation—stretching and bending—can be independently controlled using different molecular building blocks. The finding provides a new strategy for engineering artificial cells, drug-delivery capsules and adaptive soft materials with precisely tailored mechanical functions.
This breakthrough challenges the conventional view that cellular mechanical properties are tightly coupled. By separating control of stretch and bend, scientists can now program artificial cells like machine components. The work builds on advances in DNA nanotechnology and lipid chemistry.
The team demonstrated that lipid composition primarily governs bending stiffness, while DNA nanostructures independently tune stretching resistance. This orthogonal control was achieved without cross-interference, according to the study published on Phys.org.
Potential applications include targeted drug delivery systems that deform in response to specific biological environments, and soft robotics with programmable flexibility. The approach could also enable more realistic synthetic cells for studying disease mechanisms.
Experts note the method remains at an early stage, with challenges in scaling production and ensuring stability in living systems. Further validation in biological contexts is needed before clinical translation.