Columbia University

History

2025: Creation of revolutionary 3D printing technology - buildings can be created from molecules of materials and water

Columbia University scientists have created an innovative 3D printing technology that uses DNA molecules as a building material instead of traditional plastics and metals. Chemical engineering professor Oleg Gang and colleagues program deoxyribonucleic acid molecules for self-organization into complex three-dimensional constructs that assemble in an aqueous environment without external influences. The development of a revolutionary technique became known in July 2025.

The new technology turns DNA molecules into manageable building elements - voxels, each face of which connects to neighboring blocks through a given nucleotide sequence. The process resembles the assembly of a three-dimensional puzzle, where each element exactly corresponds to a certain position in the final structure.

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Фото: Freepik

The research team developed a MOSES algorithm that identifies the necessary voxels to create specific hierarchically organized nanostructures. The system uses the principle of reverse design - first, the required shape and function of the object is set, then the program calculates the optimal decomposition into molecular components.

The key advantage of the technique is the ability to create complex 3D structures simultaneously in parallel mode. Unlike phased layering photolithography or traditional 3D printing with limited resolution, DNA self-organization provides unprecedented accuracy in creating nanomaterials.

The team demonstrated several functioning prototypes for various purposes. Crystal structures have been created that simulate the architecture of solar panels, spiral lattices and devices with specified optical properties. One of the devices, developed in conjunction with Columbia University professor Nanfang Yu, is designed for future optical computers.^[1]

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