SGER: Feasibility Study of DNA-Directed Polymer Synthesis

SGER：DNA导向聚合物合成的可行性研究：Nadrian C.，西曼，首席研究员，纽约大学。戈达德，III，加州理工学院合作研究者Nagarajan Vaidehi，加州理工学院合作研究者James W.金丝雀，合作研究员，纽约大学目标和智力优点：这个项目的目标是使用我们开发的DNA纳米技术来构建一个类似核糖体的纳米级机器，可以用来将一系列有机单体转化为具有精确定义的组成，序列和属性的聚合物（~ 30聚体）。 因此，我们希望能够制造用于各种目的的新型聚合物，其特异性和控制水平与细胞用于制造导致特定功能的确定序列的蛋白质相同。 除了组装具有新特征的聚合物外，我们的方法还可以构建反映生物化学逻辑程序历史的分子，最终导致一种自反性化学合成系统，该系统可以构建对反映系统环境的信号有反应的结构。对于这里提出的探索性研究，我们将展示以下原理证明：[1]西曼实验室将展示一种具有固定信息的原始翻译设备;该设备将简化原型设计和故障排除系统内悬挂聚合物组件的使用和耦合。[2]Goddard-Vaidehi实验室将使用第一性原理计算方法来优化偶联反应的反应物、产物和过渡态，以设计具有正确间距的DNA模板来适应聚合反应的过渡态。[3]加纳利实验室将通过实验证明，从DNA中去除聚合物以模板聚合物是可能的。我们已经开发出一种依赖于序列的旋转装置，该装置可以将信息从一种化学状态转换为另一种化学状态，将DNA信号转换为独立的DNA序列。 现在，我们希望将这种平移能力扩展到构建具有实用价值的分子，例如非线性光学器件。 我们期望，制造具有精确定义的不同化学性质的聚合物的能力，将构成在聚合物水平上控制物质结构的革命性一步，包括精确控制聚合物的性质。更广泛的影响：所有的研究人员都与少数民族研究生密切合作;这种相互作用在加州理工学院特别成熟。 此外，所有培训高中或本科生在他们的实验室。这些活动通过与教师和研究科学家的密切互动来增强和促进学生的职业生涯。纽约大学的调查人员已经建立了一个参加人数众多的纳米技术讨论小组，现在已经是第四年了，来自纽约地区的学生和科学家都参加了这个小组。Seeman与以科学为导向的艺术和娱乐团体密切合作，目前担任新成立的国际纳米科学，计算和工程学会的主席。它旨在为纳米技术科学家和学生提供一个科学家的家，使他们能够获得传统学科所无法获得的认可和支持。

SGER: A Feasibility study of DNA-Directed Polymer Synthesis:Nadrian C., Seeman, Principal Investigator, New York UniversityWilliam A. Goddard, III, Co-Investigator, CaltechNagarajan Vaidehi, Co-Investigator, CaltechJames W. Canary, Co-Investigator, New York UniversityGoals and Intellectual Merit: The goal of this project is to use DNA nanotechnology we have developed to construct a ribosome-like nanoscale machine that can be used to convert a collection of organic monomers to polymers (~30mers) with precisely defined composition, sequence, and properties. Thus, we wish to be able to make novel polymers for a variety of purposes with the same level of specificity and control that the cell uses to make proteins of defined sequences that lead to particular functions. In addition to assembling polymers with novel features, our approach will allow the construction of molecules that reflect the history of a biochemical logic program, leading ultimately to a reflexive chemical synthetic system that builds constructs responsive to signals reflecting the environment of system. For the exploratory research proposed here, we will demonstrate the following proofs of principle: [1] The Seeman laboratory will demonstrate a primitive translation device with a fixed message; this device will simplify prototyping and trouble-shooting the use and coupling of pendant polymer components within the system. [2] The Goddard-Vaidehi laboratory will use first principles computational methods to optimize the reactants, the products, and the transition state of coupling reactions to enable the design of DNA templates with correct spacings to fit the transition state of the polymerization reaction. [3] The Canary laboratory will demonstrate experimentally that it is possible to remove polymers from the DNA in the DNA to template polymers.We have already developed a sequence dependent rotary device that prototypes the translation of information from one chemical state to another, translating DNA signals into independent DNA sequences. Now, we wish to extend this translational capability to build molecules whose implementation is of practical value, for example, non-linear optical devices. We expect that the capability to make polymers with precisely defined segments of varied chemical properties to constitute a revolutionary step towards controlling the structure of matter at the polymer level, including precise control of polymer properties.Broader Impact: All of the investigators work closely with minority graduate students; such interactions are particularly well-established at Caltech. In addition, all train high school or undergraduate students in their laboratories. These activities enhance and further student careers through close interaction with faculty and research scientists. The NYU investigators have established a well-attended nanotechnology discussion group now in its fourth year that is well-attended by students and scientists from the NYC area. Seeman works closely with scientifically-oriented arts and entertainment groups, and is currently serving as the president of the newly-founded International Society for Nanoscale Science, Computation, and Engineering. It seeks to provide a scientific home for nanotechnology scientists and students, so that they may obtain the recognition and support not readily available from societies founded on traditional disciplines.