DNA-Based Nanomaterials

DNA-Based Nanomaterials Publications

The flexibility of DNA as genomic template is well established in the life sciences, but recent advances in the field of DNA origami have shown that the ability to program exact sequences, and hence precise binding affinity and topology, can be exploited to design static and dynamic mechanical structures at nanometer length scales. Examples include simple structures such as rafts and more complex constructs such as hinges and pistons. However, while this DNA origami is extremely versatile in forming the backbone of these nanoscale machines, energy storage and actuation remains a significant challenge. As a result, our work is focused on exploring the potential to selectively bind engineered inorganic nanostructures to dynamic DNA templates to achieve optical and magnetic control of their functionality.

Current Members Working in this field:

Prerna Kabtiyal

Collaborators:

Castro Group, Poirier Group, Winter Group