Folding of biomolecular nanostructures

Biological systems demonstrate the spectacular potential of construction by self-assembly. Biomimetic self-assembly strategies seek to replicate the exquisite control exhibited in biology by creating molecular structures whose architecture and functions are encoded in the design of their component parts. Nucleic acids provide by far the most advanced platform for exploration of the exciting new field of molecular self-assembly. We will investigate new ways to assemble nanostructures from single strands of RNA, including co-transcriptional folding, that would allow their formation within cells. We will investigate the application of such nanostructures as probes of cellular architecture and physiology.
EPSRC theme "Biophysics and Soft Matter Physics". The project also contributes to the "Understanding the physics of life", "Nanoscale design of functional materials", and "Directed assembly of extended structures with targeted properties" EPSRC Grand Challenges