https://phys.org/news/2018-07-single-celled-architects-nanotechnology.html

To achieve this, they borrow techniques used by naturally-occurring diatoms to deposit layers of silica—the primary constituent in glass—in order to grow their intricate shells. Using a technique known as DNA origami, the group designed nanoscale platforms of various shapes to which particles of silica, drawn by electrical charge, could stick.

The new research demonstrates that silica deposition can be effectively applied to synthetic, DNA-based architectures, improving their elasticity and durability. The work could ultimately have far-reaching applications in new optical systems, semiconductor nanolithography, nano-electronics, nano-robotics and medical applications, including drug delivery.