New molecular tools for the 21st century: Molecular design of new DNA-based devices
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leicester
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
DNA is a naturally-occurring molecule that is used by nature to store all of the instructions required for the functioning of a living being. DNA achieves this function by storing information not by a binary code (like a hard drive in modern computers), but rather by a genetic code made up of four building blocks (these are known as bases A, G, C, and T). DNA exists in the form of a twisted ladder known as the DNA double helix which is formed only when building block A recognizes and pairs with building block T, and building block G recognizes and pairs with building block C. Recently scientists have shown that these DNA pairs can be used for functions other than the storage and flow of genetic information in living systems. The DNA double helix can now be used for the construction of molecular computers, molecular machines and electronic devices 10,000 times smaller than the current electronic devices used in today's personal computers. The objectives of this research will be the development of new approaches for the construction of electronic, information storage and medical devices based on the genetic code of DNA. We will use the genetic code of A, G, C and T to direct the placement of metals and magnets along a DNA double helix. To achieve this, we need to make different types of molecules that can read DNA's genetic code. We will then investigate whether we can use this code as an address book in order to send a particular metal or magnet to a particular destination along a DNA double helix. This will not only enable us to design electronic devices that are smarter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly than those in current electronic systems, but it will also allow us to use this technology to detect and predict whether specific sequences of DNA (known as genes) in human cells may or may not cause disease.
Publications
Krpetic Z
(2012)
Directed assembly of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles using pyrrole-imidazole polyamides.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Zon VB
(2012)
Photo-induced growth of DNA-capped silver nanoparticles.
in Nanotechnology
Berti L
(2008)
Nucleic acid and nucleotide-mediated synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles.
in Nature nanotechnology
Fallows AJ
(2014)
Highly efficient synthesis of DNA-binding polyamides using a convergent fragment-based approach.
in Organic letters
Su W
(2009)
Highly efficient synthesis of DNA-binding hairpin polyamides via the use of a new triphosgene coupling strategy.
in Organic letters
Burley G
(2012)
Triazoles from N-Alkynylheterocycles and Their Coordination to Iridium
in Organometallics
Su W
(2013)
Addressable and unidirectional energy transfer along a DNA three-way junction programmed by pyrrole-imidazole polyamides.
in Scientific reports
Haughey A
(2013)
An organic semiconductor laser based on star-shaped truxene-core oligomers for refractive index sensing
in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Dondi R
(2012)
Highly size- and shape-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles via a templated Tollens reaction.
in Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Burley GA
(2010)
Cu-catalyzed N-alkynylation of imidazoles, benzimidazoles, indazoles, and pyrazoles using PEG as solvent medium.
in The Journal of organic chemistry
Description | * New methods to route light down DNA nanostructures * New methods to synthesise DNA binding compounds * New methods to prepare silver nanoparticles in a shape and size-controlled manner. |
Exploitation Route | Directed assembly Diagnostic devices Drug delivery |
Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics |
Description | * New methods to route light down DNA nanostructures * New methods to synthesise DNA binding compounds * New methods to prepare silver nanoparticles in a shape and size-controlled manner. |
First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
Sector | Chemicals |
Impact Types | Economic |