DNA nanotechnology as a platform to build synthetic cells and programmable materials

Excited to host Elisa Franco at the University of Trieste for a lecture on:

DNA NANOTECHNOLOGY AS A PLATFORM TO BUILD SYNTHETIC CELLS AND PROGRAMMABLE MATERIALS

Elisa Franco
Molecular Biology Institute 
University of California, Los Angeles

ABSTRACT
Living cells take advantage of spontaneous aggregation of certain proteins and RNA species to spatially and dynamically organize a variety of molecules and reactions. Taking inspiration from nature, our group is developing methods to build assemblies, condensates and patterns using structured motifs built with artificial DNA, that are relevant to the synthesis of self-regulated, autonomous biomaterials. I will present our recent results on controlling the rate of self-assembly and condensation and dissolution of artificial DNA motifs using chemical reactions. I will also discuss mathematical models that support and guide our experiments by capturing specific and non-specific interactions among the motifs.

WHEN: Wednesday 21st June 2023, 11:00 am-12:00 am

WHERE: Aula Magna (C11), Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Main Campus, University of Trieste