Biochemistry: Control of Biomolecular Function by Electrochemical Crosslinking

Abstract

This proposal outlines the development of reagentless, electrochemical covalent DNA crosslinking, using oligonucleotides modified with carbazoles. Carbazoles have a rich and welldeveloped redox chemistry utilized in their coupling/polymerization for molecular electronics. We will adapt this chemistry to achieve voltage-controlled electrochemical DNA crosslinking of DNA duplexes, strand-displacement based systems and nanostructures. Carbazoles do not interfere with naturally-occurring biochemical functionality nor with in vivo-compatible biosensor electrode functionalization and signaling. These crosslinkable DNA systems will enable increased control and robustness of the following : DNA enzymes, hybridization-based assays, in vitro/in vivo toehold-mediated strand displacement systems, DNA nanotechnology assemblies and folding-based biosensors. This approach will enable the use of non-natural mechanisms for biomolecular control in non-cellular contexts and further enable the functional integration of biomolecules with non-biological materials. This proposal utilizes best practices in training undergraduate researchers in biochemical nanotechnology. ARL-BAA-0017, Biochemistry

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 28, 2023
Source ID
W911NF2310283

Entities

People

  • Philip S. Lukeman

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics