Researchers have achieved reliable prediction and design of the three-dimensional structure of artificial RNA building blocks to generate molecular jigsaw puzzle units called tectosquares.

This shows that small RNA structural motifs can code the precise topology of large molecular architectures. With its underlying modular and hierarchical construction displaying a minimal set of primitive operations, the tectosquare system could possibly be a Turing-universal computing molecular system.

The tectosquares can be programmed with control over their geometry, topology, directionality, and addressability to algorithmically self-assemble into a variety of complex nanoscopic fabrics with predefined periodic and aperiodic patterns and finite dimensions.

These molecules behave as “smart RNA” pieces, which could ultimately self-assemble in a predictable manner into any possible 2D architecture with full control over size, shape, and pattern geometry.

As fully addressable, programmable assemblies, tectosquare jigsaw puzzles can also organize various molecular components with high precision and generate nanochips, nanocircuits, and nanocrystals with potential applications in nanotechnology and material sciences.