Tailored nanostructures through DNA self-assembly

 

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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. In particular, we are focused on designing DNTs for chemotherapy or gene therapy targeting cancer and cardiovascular diseases. We are also investigating novel chemical routes to drive the assembly of DNTs with enhanced stability in biological conditions. In addition, we are combining DNTs with other organic self-assembled materials, like liposomes, to render bioinspired architectures capable of responding to endogeneous stimuli for controlled release. We are also producing complex DNTs to template the assembly of proteins and facilitate their characterisation.

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, Enrique Guerreiro

Key recent publications:

Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2021, 20, 2001739. DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001739

ACS Nano, 2020, 14, 2316-2323. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b09453a

Chemical Communications, 2018, 54, 10176-10178. DOI: 10.1039/C8CC04007A

Nanoscale, 2017, 9, 16193-16199. DOI: 10.1039/C7NR05353C

 

 

DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001739