SGER: Strategies for Increasing Stability of Self-Assembling DNA Nanostructures

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

SGER: Strategies for Increasing Stability of Self-Assembling DNA NanostructuresPI: Thomas H. LaBeanDNA nanostructure self-assembly is being developed as a "bottom-up" approach for thefabrication of desired patterns and structures with feature sizes smaller than achievable with conventionallithography techniques. The exploratory research proposed here aims to increase the stability of DNAnanostructures by incorporating isoG/isoC base pairs within and between DNA building blocks, byfacilitating ligation between abutting oligonucleotides, and by exploring interstrand chemical crosslinking.The long-term goal of the proposed project is to develop methods for stabilizing DNA andbiomolecular nanostructures to increase production yields, improve the halflife, and diversify the physicaland chemical conditions under which the structures are useable. In addition, it has been noted, thatattachment of nanomaterials, for example metallic nanocrystals or large proteins, to the component DNAstrands prior to assembly into lattices can result in assembly difficulties and decreased size of theresulting superstructures. Stabilized lattices may help to overcome these issues.Summary of Proposed Research Tasks: 1). Develop DNA self-assembly materials and techniquesfor formation of larger addressable arrays and lattices. 2). Incorporate stabilizing strategies, includingisoG/isoC and ligation into DNA tile lattice designs. Perform nanoscale structural characterization. 3).Investigate interstrand cross-linking via chemical bridges within DNA building blocks. 4). Test thestabilized nanostructures as templates for metal deposition and scaffolds for immobilization ofconducting, semi-conducting, and dielectric nanomaterials.The proposed project fulfills the goals of the CCF Division and of the Emerging Models andTechnologies Program by advancing fundamental capabilities in computer science and engineering usingadvances and insights from areas as diverse as biological systems and molecular engineering. Theproposed research innovations enable fundamentally different ways of approaching the fabrication ofcomputing and communications hardware. The intellectual merit of the proposed activities is highbecause the project brings together cutting-edge research in DNA self-assembly with new syntheticbasepair options and chemical cross-linking procedures, and from the fact that the PIs lab is uniquelyqualified and poised to execute the proposed study at this time. There is a high likelihood that the researchtasks will be completed as described and very high scientific and technological payoffs when theysucceed. Broader impacts of the proposed work include the possibility of stabile DNA nanostructures forapplication not only to computing but also to biomedical uses, as well as the certainty of establishingresearch training opportunities for the next generation of creative experts in bioinspired design, molecularengineering, self-assembly, and nanostructure templated chemistry.