Reconfigurable DNA-nanochambers as dynamic compartmentalization systems

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Barbara Saccà
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 254473113

The predictable Watson-Crick base pairing together with the chemico-physical stability and ready accessibility of synthetic oligonucleotides make the DNA molecule an ideal candidate as a construction material. Thanks to the development of new design strategies and functionalization procedures, DNA nanotechnology is nowadays one of the methods of choice to achieve spatio-temporal control of matter at the nanoscale. In this project, we will apply basic principles of structural and dynamic DNA nanotechnology to construct, for the first time, reconfigurable nanochambers as dynamic compartmentalization systems. To this end, the skeleton of the nanochambers will feature mechanically switchable motifs, whose interconversion between two defined states will be triggered by external signals in a reversible and predictable fashion. The inner cavity of the nanochambers will be instead functionalized with ligands at predesigned intermolecular distances. Through externally induced structural reconfiguration of the nanochambers, we aim at controlling cargo loading and delivery through manipulation of ligand-protein binding distances within the cavity. We envisage that the proposed DNA nanochambers may function as model structures for artificial biomimetic compartments and transport systems.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants