Tailored nanostructures through DNA self-assembly

Research overview:

DNA nanotechnology provides unique opportunities for the preparation of multifuncional nanostructures with accurate control in their morphology and dimensions. These DNA-based nanostructures (DNTs) fold in water through self-assembly owing to the specific supramolecular interaction established between nitrogen bases. We are particularly interested in the synthesis DNTs with tailored properties to address specific biomedical challenges. We customise our DNTs to act as nanocarriers of contrast agents and therapeutic agents for biomaging and drug-delivery purposes. Specifically, we aim to design DNTs combined with synthetic polymers for targeted chemotherapy or microRNA therapy in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, we are exploring novel chemical routes to assemble these nanostructures with enhanced stability in biological environments, as well as integrating them with other organic self-assembled materials, such as liposomes, to yield bioinspired architectures capable of responding to endogenous stimuli for controlled release. 

Involved researchers:

Silvia Hernández-Ainsa (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Jesús del Barrio, Alejandro Postigo, Santiago A. Sarasa, Marina Ripalda, María Sofía Navarrete, Lara Adwan, Marcos Sánchez-Barat.

Key recent publications: