To realize swelling and shrinking DNA spider-web, we must perform further experiments.
First, senti-millimeter size of DNA hydrogel must be taken off from a micro device. In this research, spider-web remained in microdevice and was difficult to take off. DNA hydrogel is not so rigid, therefore, breaking microdevice is not realistic. So we should prepare new microdevices.
One idea is suggested here.
In this device, hydrophobic coated grooves are engraved in a hydrophobic glass plate. When DNA hydrogel components are placed in the groove and then water is poured gently, DNA hydrogel may be taken off from a microdevice.
In addition, to add swelling strands(j2, j3) or shrinking strands(j3'), we will observe swelling and shrinking spider-web DNA hydrogel.
Figure F-1 New microdevice