Quantifying DNA and protein structure and interactions for improved therapeutic targeting

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique to determine the morphology of complex nanoscale assemblies, such as DNA, and RNA therapeutics. It therefore has huge potential to transform materials characterization across sectors from medicine to manufacturing, providing rapid feedback into the efficiency of their manufacturing processes. AFM is limited, however, by its analysis tools, with the majority still carried out by hand, relying on highly trained and experienced researchers. The lack of automated analysis tools for the field is the rate limiting step for the use of AFM in translational settings including in the development of novel therapeutics. This project will develop and apply our rapid AFM analysis pipeline (www.github.com/AFM-SPM/TopoStats), to determine the shape, morphology and homogeneity of DNA, proteins and novel therapeutics in solution.