DNA Origami as a Vehicle for Implantable on Demand Drug Release

DNA纳米技术为成功靶向给药提供了一种克服关键障碍的新方法。先进的寡核苷酸自组装技术能够形成药物携带和洗脱载体；最终有助于目标分子/药物的定位，并提高疗效。该项目将寻求研究寡核苷酸“折纸”自组装，并将特定的治疗性寡核苷酸（药物）结合到结构中。伴随这将是一个研究负载组装寡核苷酸结构上的功能化微电极金表面。潜在的可控负载和药物负载结构的释放也将被评估。该项目将重点放在微系统工程上，因为植入式释放机制是药物输送领域的一个重要目标，因为它们提供了一种靶向和受限释放的途径。最后，由于第二主管的专业知识，将特别强调心脏疾病的药物释放，特别是涉及支架使用的药物释放支架治疗。

DNA Nanotechnology provides a novel method of overcoming critical hurdles to successful, targeted drug delivery. Advanced oligonucleotide self-assembly techniques enable the formation of drug carrying, and eluting vehicles; ultimately aiding the localisation of a target molecule/drug, and enhancing efficacy.This project will seek to investigate oligonucleotide 'Origami' self-assemblies, and the incorporation of a specific, therapeutic oligonucleotide (drug) to the construct. Accompanying this will be a study into the loading of an assembled oligonucleotide structure on to a functionalised micro-electrode gold surface. Potential controlled loading, and release of the drug laden construct will also be assessed. The project will have some emphasis on microsystems engineering since implantable release mechanisms are a strong aim in the field of drug delivery since they offer a route towards targeted and confined release profiles.Finally, there will be significant emphasis given to drug release for cardiac conditions, particularly those involving use of a stent, particularly a drug releasing stent for therapy due to the expertise of the second supervisor.