CIC03: MOLECULAR ROBOTICS WITH DNA SELF-ASSEMBLED NANOSTRUCTURES

Background:

DNA is a remarkable material for nanoscale fabrication. Short strands of DNA can be programmed such that Watson-Crick pairing between complementary strands leads to the self-assembly of complex nanostructures, such as DNA origami.

Molecular Robotics builds on the recent technological developments that allow us to read, edit, and write DNA to create highly elaborate molecular nanostructures and devices from the bottom up. DNA origami is an exceptionally robust method that has found applications as biosensors, drug delivery systems, and tools for single-molecule nanotechnology.

DNA nanostructures are highly biocompatible and have the correct scale to interact with other molecular and nanoscale systems, making them suitable for molecular robotics. DNA self-assembly allows us to tailor the properties of nanomaterials, obtaining ordered structures with distinct physical, chemical, and optical properties. Understanding and controlling these properties will enable us to create molecular versions of biologically inspired robotic nanodevices.

Project description:

The master project will involve the design, fabrication and characterization of DNA nanostructures interfacing with other nanomaterials, such as proteins, lipids and nanoparticles. The student will design and construct DNA self-assembled Origami structures with different shapes and sizes, characterize them using AFM and TEM. On the one hand, these DNA nanostructures will interact with colloidal nanoparticles such as Au NPs to control their assembly at the molecular level. Another goal is to study the interaction of DNA nanostructures with lipids, as models to mimic synthetic cells.

Research methods:

• DNA nanotechnology methods (gel electrophoresis, PCR)
• Wet lab experiments
• UV-Vis spectroscopy
• Microscopy characterisation tools (AFM, fluorescence optical microscopy, SEM)

Description of the research group:

The Self-Assembly group has more than 20 years' experience in AFM and STEM of viruses, mainly plant viruses. All our projects are based on intensive collaboration with other groups at nanogune, e.g. electron microscopy and nanooptics.

Application:

If you are a master student and you are interested in this project, please get in touch with the Self-Assembly Group Research Fellow, Ibon Santiago for more information, (i.santiago@nanogune.eu).

To apply for a master position fill in the form below and follow the instructions and recomendations of the general call (open until 31 October 2022).

NOTES:

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