Dresden 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm

Bereiche | Tage | Auswahl | Suche | Aktualisierungen | Downloads | Hilfe

BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 5: Membranes, Vesicles and Synthetic Life-like Systems I

BP 5.1: Vortrag

Montag, 9. März 2026, 15:00–15:15, BAR/0205

Toward programmable microrobots: DNA-based molecular communication between hydrogel microbeads — •Alexandra Bienau, Alexander Wietfeld, Wolfgang Kellerer, and Friedrich C. Simmel — Technical University Munich, Germany

Emerging applications in biomonitoring and smart therapeutics require materials that can sense biochemical cues, process and transfer information, and respond accordingly. In nature, such capabilities are often achieved through chemical communication, for example in bacterial quorum sensing or immune-cell signaling, where diffusing molecules enable coordinated behavior across many units.

DNA-based hydrogels offer a programmable platform for engineering similar functions, supporting sensing, logic operations, and responsive cargo release. Their porous structure enables molecular diffusion and biochemical exchange. Here, we establish DNA-based molecular communication between hydrogel microbeads. Using emulsion-based droplet microfluidics, we fabricate uniformly sized microbeads that can be modularly loaded with molecular cargo. We immobilize photo-initiated transmitter (TX) and fluorescence-based receiver (RX) systems within them. Communication occurs through diffusing DNA strands, and we characterize signal propagation using experiments and a comprehensive modeling framework.

Looking ahead, this platform enables the design of more sophisticated communication protocols and provides a step toward programmable hydrogel microrobots capable of collective information processing and dynamic interaction with biological environments.

Keywords: Molecular communication; DNA strand displacement; DNA hydrogels; Hydrogel microbeads; Droplet microfluidics