Toward Real-World Applications of DNA Origami Nanostructures
Event details
| Date | 18.02.2019 |
| Hour | 12:15 |
| Speaker | Prof. Adrian Keller, Paderborn University (D) |
| Location | |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
introducing: WEEKLY BIOENGINEERING COLLOQUIA SERIES
(sandwiches served)
Abstract:
DNA origami is the folding of a long, single-stranded DNA scaffold into a desired nanoscale 2D or 3D shape by hybridization with a set of synthetic oligonucleotides. The resulting DNA origami nanostructures exhibit some properties that make them highly attractive for various medical and technological applications. First, DNA origami nanostructures can be assembled in well-defined yet almost arbitrary sizes and shapes and thus be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a given application. Second, whereas many organic and inorganic nanoparticle systems have raised concerns regarding possible nanotoxicity, DNA nanostructures are intrinsically biocompatible and biodegradable, and do not show any cytotoxicity. Third, the surfaces of DNA origami nanostructures can be modified with unprecedented molecular accuracy to display various functional entities.
Consequently, DNA origami nanostructures are nowadays synthesized on a routine basis in hundreds of labs around the world. However, despite this growing popularity in academia and the impressive recent advancements of the DNA origami technique such as automated design strategies and biotechnological mass production, real-world applications of DNA origami remain scarce. This is because of a number of so far unmet challenges that currently limit the integration of DNA origami nanostructures with established technologies and concepts. This talk will provide an overview of our recent and ongoing activities aimed at employing DNA origami nanostructures as molecular tools in the fields of drug discovery, drug delivery, and molecular lithography. In particular, it will address current application-specific challenges regarding the analysis, stability, and immobilization of DNA origami constructs.
(sandwiches served)
Abstract:
DNA origami is the folding of a long, single-stranded DNA scaffold into a desired nanoscale 2D or 3D shape by hybridization with a set of synthetic oligonucleotides. The resulting DNA origami nanostructures exhibit some properties that make them highly attractive for various medical and technological applications. First, DNA origami nanostructures can be assembled in well-defined yet almost arbitrary sizes and shapes and thus be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a given application. Second, whereas many organic and inorganic nanoparticle systems have raised concerns regarding possible nanotoxicity, DNA nanostructures are intrinsically biocompatible and biodegradable, and do not show any cytotoxicity. Third, the surfaces of DNA origami nanostructures can be modified with unprecedented molecular accuracy to display various functional entities.
Consequently, DNA origami nanostructures are nowadays synthesized on a routine basis in hundreds of labs around the world. However, despite this growing popularity in academia and the impressive recent advancements of the DNA origami technique such as automated design strategies and biotechnological mass production, real-world applications of DNA origami remain scarce. This is because of a number of so far unmet challenges that currently limit the integration of DNA origami nanostructures with established technologies and concepts. This talk will provide an overview of our recent and ongoing activities aimed at employing DNA origami nanostructures as molecular tools in the fields of drug discovery, drug delivery, and molecular lithography. In particular, it will address current application-specific challenges regarding the analysis, stability, and immobilization of DNA origami constructs.
Practical information
- Informed public
- Free
Organizer
Contact
- Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), Christina Mattsson