DNA and RNA has emerged as an exceptional molecular building block for nano-construction due to its predictable conformation and programmable intra- and inter-molecular base pairing interactions. A variety of convenient design rules and reliable assembly methods have been developed to engineer DNA nanostructures of increasing complexity. The ability to create designer DNA architectures with accurate spatial control has allowed researchers to explore novel applications in many directions, such as directed material assembly, structural biology, biocatalysis, DNA computing, nano-robotics, disease diagnosis, and drug delivery. In this talk I will discuss some of our work in the field of structural nucleic acid nanotechnology, and present some of the challenges and opportunities that exist in DNA and RNA based molecular design and programming. Specifically, I will discuss some of the new designs for 3D DNA crystals and the use of the crystals as host to organize guest molecules and visualize their atomic level structures. I will discuss the use of DNA template to organize dye molecules for long range energy transfer over sub-micron distances for potential light harvesting applications. If time allows, I will also discuss our progress in using DNA and RNA nanotechnology for biomedical applications.

Designer nucleic acid architectures for programmable self-assembly

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.