DNA Lattices for the Study of Biological Processes

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目将涉及DNA单体构建块的制备，这些构建块包含连接四个或六个DNA序列的金属配体中心枢纽。这些单体通过互补杂交的自组装产生超分子DNA纳米尺度或介观尺度晶格。晶格从根本上不同于DNA树状聚合物或其他DNA组装体，因为每个单体构建块在一个以上的限定位点附着于生长的超分子结构。晶格组装的结果是DNA序列的规则阵列，类似于宏观晶体。四面体（金刚石）和八面体（立方）晶格将与Loren威廉姆斯教授（格鲁吉亚理工学院）合作，通过X射线衍射方法进行表征。表面结合晶格将提供研究各种结合事件的机会。单层或多层的晶格可以通过末端硫醇残基结合到金表面产生。与Rosina Georgiadis教授（波士顿大学）合作，我们将能够研究单层形成的速率和程度，以及配体或蛋白质与表面结合晶格结合的速率和程度。通过适当的缀合物的杂交，将有可能产生结合的生物物质以及非生物物质如荧光团、纳米颗粒和量子点的表面阵列。晶格的金属中心可以被看作是晶格的DNA臂的存在而有规律地间隔开的功能位点。为了研究这种金属阵列的特性，我们将制备基于多个天线的光捕获阵列，以捕获光子，然后监测到中心卟啉或钌中心的能量转移过程。与Torsten Fiebig教授（波士顿学院）合作，我们将描述这些过程的中间体，寿命和效率。最后，规则的孔结构应该允许大规模药物或其他试剂的螯合或定时释放。我们将表征孔结构，并确定如何多孔这些材料是选定的大分子或纳米粒子

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This project will involve the preparation of DNA monomer building blocks that contain metal-ligand central hubs tethering either four or six DNA sequences. Self-assembly of these monomers by complementary hybridization generates supramolecular DNA nanoscale or mesoscale lattices. Lattices differ fundamentally from DNA dendrimers or other DNA assemblies since each monomer building block attaches to the growing supramolecular structure at more than one defined site. The result of lattice assembly is a regular array of DNA sequences, similar to a macroscopic crystal. Both tetrahedral (diamond) and octahedral (cubic) lattices will be characterized by x-ray diffraction methods in collaboration with Prof. Loren Williams (Georgia Tech). Surface-bound lattices will provide the opportunity to study a variety of binding events. Monolayers or multiple layers of the lattice can be generated bound to a gold surface through terminal thiol residues. In collaboration with Prof. Rosina Georgiadis (Boston University), we will be able to study the rates and extents of monolayer formation, as well as the rates and extents of ligand or protein binding to the surface-bound lattices. Through hybridization of appropriate conjugates, it will be possible to create surface arrays of bound biologicals as well as non-biologicals such as fluorophores, nanoparticles and quantum dots. The metal centers of the lattices can be viewed as functional sites that are spaced regularly by the presence of the DNA arms of the lattice. To study the properties of such metal arrays we will prepare light harvesting arrays based upon multiple antennae to capture photons and then monitor the energy transfer process to a central porphyrin or ruthenium center. In collaboration with Prof. Torsten Fiebig (Boston College) we will characterize the intermediates, lifetimes and efficiencies of these processes. Finally, the regular pore structure should permit the sequestering or the timed release of macroscale Pharmaceuticals or other agents. We will characterize the pore structure and determine how porous these materials are to selected macromolecules or nanoparticles