The aim of this project is to explore new methods to overcome the limitations of DNA origami and biohybrid systems due to their vulnerability in complex environments. The project will use the method of silicification of DNA origami nanostructures, recently demonstrated by the Heuer-Jungemann lab. Silicified structures will be modified with different proteins for biosensing applications. How silicification can reduce the inherent porosity of DNA origami structures and prevent the leaking of cargo from a DNA origami cage will be reported. Differently-sized enzymes placed inside the silicified DNA origami cage, as well as DNA strand displacement reactions inside the cage will be studied to determine leakage rates via fluorescence. Additionally, strand displacement reactions in these confined environments will be studied. By carefully designing sections of ssDNA within the DNA origami structure, controllable pores in the silicified DNA origami will be created, which can react to sense external input such as hybridization or protein binding. The size of these pores and the ability to translocate molecules through them will be investigated by different means, including the influx or efflux of enzyme-specific substrates, fluorescently-labelled DNA strands, intra-cage strand displacement reactions, DNA PAINT and will, in collaboration, be supplemented by predictive modelling.