FUNDNAMAT

Functional DNA-based nanomaterials using metal-mediated self-assembly processes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This research project will focus on the development of conducting molecular architectures using self-assembly processes between specific DNA sequences and metal ions-derivatives. The concept is to use the interaction of specific metal ions towards precise DNA nucleobases. Novel synthetic metal complexes will be prepared carrying specific functional units capable of directing the formation of conducting polymers. These metal complexes will be organized at the nanoscale by interaction with particular DNA base-sequences through self-assembly processes. The project will also involve the preparation of complex DNA-based nanomaterial structures through a novel route which extends upon the well-established DNA origami concept using the unique properties of metal ions and their specificity to form metal-mediated DNA duplexes. The self-assembly properties of DNA and specific metal-ions will be explored for the construction of complex nanoscale architectures. Importantly, the original methodology proposed will be also employed for the incorporation of further functionality into DNA-based nanomaterials, since the properties of the metal-complexes can be tailored with different functional groups.

Established synthetic methodologies will used for the synthesis of the metal-precursor compounds and these will be characterised using standard techniques to set up structural details, e.g. NMR, elemental analysis, ionized electrospray mass spectroscopy LC(IES-MS), spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-vis). The formation of conducting polymer nanomaterial will involve chemical oxidation or metal-coordination of the organized units along the DNA molecules. The resulting materials will be characterised using a range of spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, CD, UV-vis) as well as state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy (AFM, EFM, STM). Finally, the conducting properties of the materials will be examined using a combination of 2-electrode devices and scanning probe methods.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

DNA is an amazing natural polymer that self-assembles into complex 3D shapes. Scientists have demonstrated the ability to control configuration and make them conductive.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Although biotechnologists have been using DNA to produce controlled shapes and molecules for some time, the process got a turboboost in 2010 with the demonstration of 'DNA origami'. Scientists showed that they could 'staple' small sequences in place in order to control the complex bending according to a preconceived molecular design.

Despite its amazing role in nature, use of DNA in nanotechnology and nanoengineering has been limited because it does not conduct electricity. DNA nanoengineering is now entering a new phase with the possibility of conferring properties such as conductivity to make the molecules truly useful in nanotechnology applications.

Scientists working on the EU-funded project 'Functional DNA-based nanomaterials using metal-mediated self-assembly processes' (FUNDNAMAT) built on the now well-established DNA origami technique. Using DNA as a scaffold, they focused on the creation of conducting nanowires.

The FUNDNAMAT technique exploits well-designed metal fragments with a monomer unit based on a pyrrole, heterocyclic ring structures commonly used in pharmaceutical chemistry. The fragments are programmed to interact at specific locations of a single-stranded DNA molecule as in the DNA origami technique. The DNA thus acts as a template for self-assembly.

Team members successfully demonstrated correct assembly of the metal fragments along the single-stranded DNA molecule. The proven methodology is currently being optimised. The next step will be to form a customised DNA-polymer hybrid that conducts electricity, a DNA-based nanowire, for nanotechnology applications.

DNA origami made it possible to form more complicated polymers from DNA more quickly and efficiently. FUNDNAMAT has paved the way to using these molecules as scaffolds that can be functionalised to confer properties such as conductivity, paving the way to integration in nano-scale devices.