Automated DNA synthesizer

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Our research group focuses on the development of DNA-mediated methods to pattern materials with high precision on the nanometer scale. Towards this goal we have examined the use of synthetic molecules to direct DNA self-assembly. This has resulted in a range of stimuli-responsive DNA materials with fine positioning of each component (Science, 2008, 321, 1795). The present proposal describes the development of these new biomaterials towards a number of applications: 1. Gold nanoparticle assemblies as substrates for optimized focusing of light to nanoscale volumes, and applications in the amplified detection of DNA via surface enhanced Raman scattering. 2. Well-defined 2D- and 3D-metal nucleic acid frameworks for applications in artificial photosynthesis and multimetallic catalysis. 3. 3D-DNA capsules and nanotubes as chemical biology tools to modulate the stability and activity of encapsulated proteins, and to deliver toxins selectively to tumor cells.