Programmable
Bionanomaterials
We spatially organize biomolecular systems, using DNA nanotechnology, proteins & peptide self-assembly, and external fields, to achieve material functionality with nanoscale molecular precision.
From One Nanometer to One Millimeter
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.
Research Areas
Four interconnected directions, one overarching question: how does nanoscale design determine macroscale function?
DNA Origami Design
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.
Learn more →
Directed Delivery Systems
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.
Learn more →
Hierarchical Multiscale Materials
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 →Recent Highlights
A self-healing multispectral transparent adhesive peptide glass
Tri-tyrosine peptides assemble into amorphous glass with unique self-healing, optical, and adhesive properties, entirely governed by nanoscale molecular network.
Read paper →Acoustically shaped DNA-programmable materials
Surface standing acoustic waves organize DNA superlattices into millimeter-scale ordered architectures, maintaining nanoscale precision across six orders of magnitude in length scale.
Read paper →Helicity-synchronized interactions drive periodic phase transitions in nanoscale assemblies
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.
Read preprint →FNANO 2026, Munich
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.
See post →Join the Arnon Lab
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.
Get in Touch
