Photoactivated metal nanoparticles for gene-targeted DNA damage

在这个项目中，我们将使用包覆有选定DNA序列的金纳米颗粒和Ir探针来测试它们是否能够对表达目标DNA序列的细胞的DNA产生特异性毒性。将使用显微镜技术评估特定摄取，并使用生物化学方法评估活性、细胞ROS和DNA损伤的光毒性。我们将设计光活化的Ir络合物附着在金纳米颗粒上，并使用DNA序列来尝试特异性地靶向突变的细胞。将用显微镜研究纳米颗粒的定位，并将使用基于细胞的DNA损伤和氧化应激测试来研究双光子光激活Ir探针的效果。

In this project we will use gold nanoparticles coated with selected DNA sequences and iridium probes to test whether they are able to be specifically toxic to the DNA of cells expressing target DNA sequences. Specific uptake will be assessed using microscopy techniques and phototoxicity assessed using biochemical assays for viability, cellular ROS and DNA damage. We will design photoactivated iridium complexes to be attached to gold nanoparticles and use DNA sequences to attempt to specifically target the mutated cells. Localisation of the nanoparticles will be studied with microscopies and the effect of two-photon photoactivation of the iridium probe will be studied using cell based toxicity assays for DNA damage and oxidative stress.