DNA nanotechnology: four players, one rule, many possibilities

Barbara Saccà 
University of Duisburg-Essen - Germany

May 12, 2021 (14:00-15:00)
Webinar Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/848879365

Abstract: DNA nanotechnology: four players, one rule, many possibilities. Structural DNA nanotechnology is probably one of the most successful chemical methods of the past 40 years to achieve control of matter distribution at the nanometer scale. In particular, the DNA origami approach demonstrated to be a robust and versatile method for the construction of DNA objects of almost any desired shape and size, thus offering numerous opportunities in diverse scientific disciplines. We employ DNA origami tools to construct simplified models of complex biological systems, where single structural and functional parameters can be manipulated in a completely predictable fashion. Our scientific ambition is to gain a better understanding of fundamental aspects of biological self-assembly and to use this knowledge for the generation of biomimetic materials with customized properties. After a short introduction on DNA nanotechnology and particularly on the DNA origami method, I will show our recent results on three major aspects of natural self-assembling systems: (i) their capacity to self-assemble into hierarchical high-ordered structures; (ii) their capability to respond to the external environment by changing their shape; and finally (iii) their role as encaging systems, to control the spatio-temporal location and possibly the energetics of chemical reactions

Author's Info: https://www.uni-due.de/zmb/members/barbara-sacca.php

Link to video: https://youtu.be/BCNjuW4UVRQ